ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Farm Payments

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what target dates she has set for payment of integrated administration and control system entitlements for the 2003–04 capping year; and what date she has set for completion of payment of the first entitlement to the single farm payment.

Alun Michael: The Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) payment target as published in the Rural Payments Agency Business Plan is "to process and pay at least 96.14 per cent. of valid IACS claims by value within the EU deadline".
	The following table gives the payment windows for the individual schemes.
	
		
			  2004 scheme year Payment window (regulatory and internal) 
		
		
			 Arable area payments (AAPS) 16 November 2004 to 31 January 2005 
			 Non food set-aside 16 November 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			 Protein crop premium 1 December 2004 to 30 June 2005 
			 New energy crop aid 1 December 2004 to 30 June 2005 
			 Area payment for nuts 1 December 2004 to 30 June 2005 
			 Sheep annual premium 16 October 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			 Beef special premium Advance payments 16 October 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			  Balance payments 1 April 2005 to 30 June 2005 
			 Extensification payment Advance payments 16 October 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			  Balance payments 1 April 2005 to 30 June 2005 
			 Slaughter premium Advance payments 16 October 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			  Balance payments 1 April 2005 to 30 June 2005 
			 Suckler cow premium Advance payments 16 October 2004 to 31 March 2005 
			  Balance payments 1 April 2005 to 30 June 2005 
			 Hill farm allowance 95 per cent. of claims to be paid by 31 March 2005 
			 Aid for grain legumes Deadline for payment is 60 days from the publication of the aid rate, this is usually around 15 November. 
			 Hops income aid and special temporary measures 16 October 2004 to 31 December 2004 
			 Dairy premium scheme and additional dairy payment 16 October 2004 to 30 June 2004 30 June 2005 
			 Single payment scheme 1 December 2005 to 30 June 2006

Horse Passports

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many horse passports have so far been issued, broken down by issuing authority.

Alun Michael: The following is a list of the most recent figures that English Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) have submitted to Defra. Forty-nine out of fifty-seven have submitted such information. No figures have been received for seven organisations and one organisation has ceased trading.
	
		
			 Names of Passport Issuing Organisations Passports Issued 
		
		
			 American Saddlebred Assosiation GB 134 
			 Anglo European Studbook 11,175 
			 American Quarter Horse Association—UK 937 
			 Arab Horse Society 13,065 
			 British Association Purebred Spanish Horse Ltd 400 
			 British Connemara Pony Society 1,294 
			 British Driving Society 11,728 
			 British Hanoverian Horse Society 600 
			 British Harness Racing Club 335 
			 British Horse Society 10,198 
			 British Miniature Horse Society 1,470 
			 British Percheron Horse Society 755 
			 British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) 2,358 
			 British Skewbald and Piebald Association 694 
			 British Spotted Pony Society– 200 
			 Caspian Breed Society UK 140 
			 Caspian Horse Society 165 
			 Cleveland Bay Horse Society 1,117 
			 Dales Pony Society 536 
			 Dartmoor Pony Society 4,526 
			 Donkey Breed Society 4,581 
			 EquiCours/Selle Francais 15 
			 Exmoor Pony Society 1,161 
			 Farmkey 4,207 
			 Gypsy Cob Society 100 
			 Hackney Horse Society 705 
			 Haflinger Society 510 
			 Horse Passport Agency 42,746 
			 Horse Passports Ltd 1,160 
			 Hurlingham Polo Association 4,312 
			 Icelandic Horse Society 391 
			 Irish Draught Horse Society GB 361 
			 Lipizzaner Society of GB 171 
			 Lustiano Breed Society GB 185 
			 Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association 144 
			 National Pony Society 144 
			 New Forset Pony Breeding and Cattle Society 9,528 
			 Pet ID Uk 79,736 
			 Pleasure Horse Society 12,500 
			 Shire Horse Society 3,609 
			 Sport Horse Breeding of GB 16,678 
			 Sports Pony Studbook Society 232 
			 Spotted Horse and Pony Society 1,298 
			 Spotted Pony Breed Society GB 497 
			 Suffolk Horse Society 181 
			 Trakehner Breeders Fraternity 876 
			 United Saddlebred Association—UK 134 
			 Wetherbys ID 29,761 
			 Wetherbys thoroughbred 123,066 
			 Total: 400,816

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Palestine

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made in reducing poverty in the Palestinian territories.

Hilary Benn: Little progress is being made in reducing poverty in the Palestinian territory. Palestinian poverty has increased dramatically since September 2000. According to the latest World Bank report, approximately 50 per cent. of Palestinians are living in poverty on less than $2.1 per day. 16 per cent. of the total population currently live in deep or absolute poverty on less than $1.5 per day. While international aid has not prevented the increase in poverty, it has prevented even more Palestinians falling into extreme poverty and desperation.
	Poverty reduction is unlikely to be achieved without a major reform of the Israeli imposed closure regime. This would allow the Palestinian economy to grow again and humanitarian aid to be delivered effectively.

Palestine

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures his Department is taking to encourage transparency and accountability in (a) European and (b) international funding to the Palestinian Authority.

Hilary Benn: Substantial progress has been made since 2002 in improving the transparency and accountability of the Palestinian Authority's (PA) financial management systems. This has largely been the result of work by the Palestinian Finance Minister with donor encouragement.
	DFID supported a World Bank Country Financial Accountability Assessment that endorsed the major improvements made. It also identified action needed to further improve systems. The World Bank Public Financial Management Reform Trust Fund has encouraged further financial reform. Disbursement of funding is conditional on the PA's achievement of agreed benchmarks, including on financial control management, auditing, and procurement. DFID and the EC have contributed to the Trust Fund. The World Bank and donors are carefully monitoring the use of donor funds. This benchmark approach was also successfully used by the EC in its earlier budget support to the PA. Allegations about the misuse of these funds have been looked at in great detail, but no conclusive evidence has been found that EC funds have been used for anything other than their original purpose.
	OLAF, the independent EU anti-fraud office, has also been investigating these matters for over a year. OLAF's provisional assessment of 10 August stated that, to date there is no evidence that funds from the non-targeted EU Direct Budget Assistance to the Palestinian Authority have been used to finance illegal activities, including terrorism. This is a provisional assessment. The investigations are still on-going.

TRANSPORT

Inter-modal Transport

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the role of inland waterways and inland ports in inter-modal transport.

David Jamieson: Inland waterways and ports are a valuable resource in the promotion of inter-modal transport. As set out in the recent White Paper "The Future of Transport", the Government want to encourage freight traffic to be shifted from road to both rail and water where this is practical, economic and environmentally beneficial.

Rail Works (Environmental Impact)

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations Network Rail has carried out with English Nature regarding plans which have significant environmental impact.

Tony McNulty: Network Rail advises that it aims to contact relevant statutory bodies such as English Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage, well in advance of operations in order to ensure that any necessary permissions or licences are obtained. If environmental surveys have identified that operations may have significant environmental impact, communication with these statutory bodies and their experts will then take place to identify procedures that may reduce the impact while still ensuring the safety and reliability of the railway.

Small Petrol Engine Emissions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are planned to reduce emissions from small petrol engines, including lawnmowers.

David Jamieson: Emissions from new equipment, including lawnmowers, powered by small petrol engines under 19kW engine power are regulated by the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 2004 (S.L 2004 No. 2034). These Regulations transpose EU Directive 2002/88/EC into UK law and take effect for new engines being placed on the market from 11 February 2005. The Regulations also apply a second stage of more stringent standards that will take effect for most engines by 1 February 2009, the actual date dependent on engine size.

A303

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to construct a bypass for the village of Chicklade on the A303(T) in Wiltshire.

David Jamieson: The bypass of Chicklade forms part of the Chicklade Bottom to Mere scheme on the A303 and is one of a number of strategic highway schemes currently being considered for entry into the Targeted Programme of Improvements.

A36

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what the (a) planned and (b) actual completion dates were of the works at Skew Bridge on the A36(T) west of Salisbury; what the (i) estimated and (ii) out-turn costs were; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the causes were of the delay to the completion of the Skew Bridge project on the A36(T) west of Salisbury.

David Jamieson: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 5 July 2004, Official Report, column 494W. The works at Skew Bridge on the A36 were expected to be complete by 9 March 2004. The works were actually completed on 30 September 2004.
	The contract was let for the estimated cost of £2.51 million. The out-turn costs have yet to be determined as the final account has not yet been agreed.

A66

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Department has to build a road across Curwen Park in Workington at the western end of the A66.

David Jamieson: The Department has no plans for a new road across Curwen Park, in Workington.
	Any proposals for improvements to local roads, outside the trunk road network, are the responsibility of Cumbria County Council.

Air Quality (Aircraft Cabins)

Paul Tyler: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department has taken, since 1997, to ensure that health risks arising from contaminated cabin air in BAE 146 aircraft are fully and independently investigated.

Charlotte Atkins: The Civil Aviation Authority on the basis of a thorough, independent study has investigated the safety risks associated with contaminated cabin air in BAE 146 aircraft. The Aviation Health Unit, which is funded by the Department, is currently looking into the potential long term health risks associated with contaminated cabin air.

Air Quality (Aircraft Cabins)

Paul Tyler: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the EU Ideal Cabin Environment project, due to start in 2005, will examine the issue of contaminated aircraft cabin air; and if he will make a statement.

Charlotte Atkins: The proposed EU Ideal Cabin Environment Project is likely to focus on cabin air pressure and is not expected to include the issue of cabin air quality.

Air Quality (Aircraft Cabins)

Paul Tyler: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department has investigated the issues raised by the British Airline Pilots Association in relation to the Civil Aviation Authority Cabin Air Quality paper of 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Charlotte Atkins: Following representations made to the Department by the British Airline Pilots Association, its Aircraft Environment Task Group has been invited to present a paper on cabin air quality to the Aviation Health Working Group at its meeting on 27 October 2004.

Air Quality (Aircraft Cabins)

Paul Tyler: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to investigate the differences between Civil Aviation Authority mandatory occurrence reports and British Airline Pilots Association survey results concerning contaminated cabin air quality incidents in UK aircraft.

Charlotte Atkins: The Civil Aviation Authority compared the British Airline Pilots Association survey results with its mandatory occurrence reports. Much of the survey data related to low level events, often with inconclusive connections to contaminated air. Inclusion of the survey data in the Authority's database would not have advanced or improved the formal intervention action taken to mitigate the threat to safety posed by impairment of pilot performance through exposure to contaminated air. BALPA's data aligns with the CAA's assessment that there is a downward trend in the number of air contamination events now being reported.

Ambulance Service

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of publicly-owned ambulances in England are Mercedes Sprinters; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Information available from the DVLA record does not distinguish whether a vehicle was publicly owned. At the end of June 2004, there were 10,264 ambulances registered to keepers in England which were not private individuals, of which 1,024 (10.0 per cent.) were Mercedes Sprinters.

Crossrail

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what he expects the total cost of the Crossrail project to be; what percentage will be provided by (a) the Government and (b) private finance; and what form the private finance will take;
	(2)  how much funding the Government plans to give to the Crossrail project over the next five years.

Tony McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement on Crossrail that the Secretary of State for Transport made on 20 July 2004, Official Report, column 23WS, and to the written answer given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Withington (Keith Bradley) on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1383W.

Crossrail

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria will be set for the compulsory purchase of land for the Crossrail scheme.

Tony McNulty: The criteria will be defined in the Crossrail Bill.

Crossrail

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much land which is not part of the rail network he expects Crossrail to need to acquire in order to complete the project.

Tony McNulty: No figures are readily available and to obtain them would involve disproportionate cost. The land required to construct Crossrail will be included in the Crossrail Bill.

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) total toll revenue, (b) total operating cost and (c) surplus for the Dartford Crossing was in its last year of operation for which figures exist.

David Jamieson: Subject to verification by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the outturn for the year ended 31 March 2004 in respect of the Dartford Crossing was:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 (a) Road user charges 69.1 
			 (b) Operating costs 14.6 
			 (c) Surplus 54.5

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will use part of the operating surplus from the Dartford Crossing to create a new access road for Canvey Island; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State has no such plans.

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the use of the surplus from the operation of the Dartford Crossing.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State has received numerous representations regarding the use of net income from charging at the Dartford Crossing. All income from charging at the Dartford Crossing is taken into account in the funding for the 10-year plan.

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the operating surplus from the Dartford Crossing for the current year; and what uses will be made of the surplus.

David Jamieson: Estimated total income from charging at the Dartford Crossing for the current year (200405) is 69 million. Operational costs are estimated to be approximately 17 million. All income from charging at the Dartford Crossing is taken into account in the funding for the 10-year plan.

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles per day on average use the Dartford crossing.

David Jamieson: The average daily traffic volume is 149,000. This figure is the average for the period between 1 October 2003 and 30 September 2004 for vehicles travelling both northbound through the tunnels and southbound over the bridge.

Dartford Crossing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what safety rating is given to the Dartford Tunnel crossing; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans he has to improve safety of the Dartford Tunnel crossing.

David Jamieson: The safety of tunnel users is the Highways Agency's primary consideration and the Dartford tunnels are kept under continual review in accordance with the relevant standards for design and operation. There is no formal system for rating the safety of UK road tunnels.
	The agency has commissioned a study to assess what work may be required for the Dartford tunnels to comply with the EU Directive on safety in Road Tunnels, published earlier this year. This study is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

Driving Tests

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of dialogue he envisages between local organisations of driving instructors and test examiners under the auspices of the Driving Standards Authority.

David Jamieson: Examiners routinely seek to maintain professional and mutually beneficial working relationships with driving instructors. Many local driving instructor organisations hold regular meetings. Whenever possible, Driving Standards Agency examiners and senior managers attend. The discussions focus on local issues of interest to the instructors.

Driving Tests

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what role he foresees for (a) driving instructors and (b) the Driving Standards Authority in enhancing road safety.

David Jamieson: The government's Road SafetyTomorrow's Roads Safer for Everyonewas published in 2000. It identifies key roles for the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and driving instructors in improving road safety.
	The contribution of skilled and well-motivated driving instructors is central to delivering higher standards and improved road safety. Their input is significant, not only in terms of initial driver training but also in encouraging novice drivers to further develop their skills (eg by taking the Pass Plus course).
	DSA's primary aim is to promote road safety through improving driving standards. Initially this centred on driver testing and the regulation of instructors that provide tuition in the driving of motor cars. However, the Strategy envisages a significant increase in DSA's road safety remit, including raising the standards of all driver training both pre- and post-test. The Government want to raise the quality and expertise of all driving instructors to that of the best.

Driving Tests

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to make the Driving Standards Authority more accountable; and what continuing professional development is available to driving test examiners.

David Jamieson: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is responsible to Parliament via the Secretary of State for Transport. Ministers set the agency demanding targets on performance, efficiency and service delivery and require regular updates on progress. Key priorities are contained in DSA's Business Plan and Annual Report and Accounts. The latter also reports performance against targets.
	DSA's examiners undergo a rigorous supervision regime, including regular assessment of their performance by senior officers, and in-service training and development.
	The agency also runs an Open Learning Fund. This is available to all staff and is aimed at encouraging lifelong learning.

Driving Tests

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the Driving Standards Agency requires certain applicants to pre-nominate the vehicle before a test takes place; why the agency does not take advance bookings for tests without details of the vehicle; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) administers a Trainer Booking Scheme. This enables those organisations providing training in riding a motorcycle or driving a lorry or bus to book practical test appointments up to 10 weeks in advance. Neither the name of the candidate nor the vehicle details are required at that time.
	Candidate and vehicle details must be provided shortly before the date of the test to enable DSA to confirm that the candidate has the necessary driving licence entitlement to take the test, that the appropriate test has been booked for the category of vehicle concerned and that the vehicle meets the minimum test requirements for that test.
	For lorry and bus tests, the test centre manoeuvring area has to be set out to accommodate vehicles of differing lengths. Having vehicle details in advance of the test saves DSA time in setting up the area and reduces inconvenience to the candidate.

Driving Tests

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the current average time taken in processing test applicants by the Driving Standards Agency is; and what action he is taking to reduce this time.

David Jamieson: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The current waiting times for practical driving tests administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are as follows:
	
		
			 Test type (1)Actual waiting time 
		
		
			 Car practical tests (2)9.2 
			 Motorcycle practical tests (2)4 
			 Lorry and bus practical tests (2)4.2 
		
	
	(1) September 2004.
	(2) Weeks
	I have set DSA a demanding target to reduce waiting times for car practical tests to a national average of six weeks from January 2005.

Lorry Road User Charging

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what negotiations have taken place between his Department and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise about lorry road user charging; and what the outcome was of those discussions.

Alistair Darling: The 2004 Finance Act laid the formal responsibility for implementing the proposed Lorry Road User Charge on HM Customs and Excise. My Department has worked very closely with HM Customs and Excise and HM Treasury to develop both policy and proposals for procuring and implementing the charge, and will continue to do so.

M27

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the traffic information signs between junctions 8 and 12 of the M27 were due to be in operation; when it is expected that this will occur; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: holding answer 14 October 2004
	The new variable message signs on the M27 between junctions 8 and 12 will come into operation in January 2005. Originally scheduled for June 2004, this new date has been set to ensure both old and new roadside equipment is linked to the police control office and working correctly before being launched.

MOT Tests

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that the new computer system intended to be used for MOT testing is not introduced nationwide until he is satisfied that no delays will be caused by the use of the new technology.

David Jamieson: holding answer 15 October 2004
	Overall the new computerised MOT service should have no adverse impact on test times, but it will take time for MOT station users to become accustomed to new processes. Current trials will identify and address factors likely to cause delays. The system will not be rolled out until we are satisfied that contracted service levels, designed to ensure MOT tests are not delayed, will be met.

New Road, Mawdesley

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers Lancashire county council has to designate New Road in Mawdesley, Lancashire, as a 20 mph zone.

David Jamieson: All local traffic authorities were given consent to introduce 20 mph speed limits and 20 mph speed zones when the Road Traffic Regulation Act (Amendment) Act Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/1608) came into force on 16 June 1999.
	The decision on identifying the most appropriate speed limit is determined against an assessment framework, taking into account the local environment, the level of vulnerable road users and the road's position in the functional hierarchy.

Railways

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the safety of the railways.

Tony McNulty: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the railway health and safety regulator, recently published its annual report on the safety record of Britain's railways during 200304. Copies are available from the Libraries of the House.
	Overall, there has been a continued improvement in railway safety indicators. The year saw the lowest number of significant train incidents on record as well as no train incident passenger fatalities. The total number of signals passed at danger (SPADs) in 200304 was the lowest 12-month total since records began in 1985, and there were also reductions in acts of vandalism, broken rails and assaults on staff. The fitment of the Train Protection Warning System, which reduces the risks from trains passing red signals, was successfully completed at the end of 2003.

Railways

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the condition of (a) Romford and (b) Gidea Park railway stations;
	(2)  what plans he has to improve facilities at (a) Romford and (b) Gidea Park railway station.

Tony McNulty: Romford and Gidea Park stations are managed on a day-to-day basis by ONE Great Eastern. Their franchise agreement with the Strategic Rail Authority requires them to maintain minimum standards of facilities at stations in terms of waiting accommodation, the provision of information, cleaning and maintenance. These requirements are currently being met. An audit programme is built into the franchise agreement to ensure that there is no degradation of facilities.

Railways

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his policy that car parking should be restricted at provincial railway stations in order to discourage long-distance commuting.

Tony McNulty: The provision and management of car parking facilities is at the discretion of the train operating companies. Train operators will provide car parking where they consider it appropriate to do so.

Railways

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what plans he has to twin-track the rail line from London Waterloo to Exeter; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans he has to reduce journey times on the Exeter to London Waterloo line; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: There are no current plans for double-tracking or journey time reductions. The needs of the area will be considered by the South West Regional Planning Assessment which will include input from the relevant local authorities. Service frequencies from some stations on the line are to be enhanced from the December 2004 timetable. For example, Yeovil will receive an hourly service from London.

Railways

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he asked the promoters of the Central Railway project for a guarantee that they would not seek financial assistance from the Government at any stage of the project.

Tony McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made on 25 March by my hon. Friend the then Minister for Transport Official Report, column 68WS.

Shipping

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government are taking to implement the recommendation of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch on the role of fatigue and minimum manning in ship groundings and collisions.

David Jamieson: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has instigated a survey, to run from November 2004 to March 2005, into safe manning levels across Europe. The survey will examine the manning levels required by different European administrations according to vessel size and types. It will also study accident investigations where levels of manning or fatigue have contributed to the cause. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will present the findings to the International Maritime Organization and also to the European Commission. The findings will inform efforts to improve manning levels on merchant ships through international legislation.
	Guidance on the use of lookouts on the bridge will be detailed in a new Marine Guidance Note (MGN) on safe watch keeping which is soon to go out to consultation.

Speed Limits

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities have introduced 20mph zones on roads around schools where this is practicable.

David Jamieson: The installation of 20mph zones is a matter for individual local highway authorities. As such this information is not held centrally.

DEFENCE

Armed Services Pay

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the pay scales of each armed service.

Ivor Caplin: With the exception of Chief of the Defence Staff and Medical and Dental Officers in the Volunteer Reserve Forces, all armed forces personnel are on tri-Service incremental pay scales. All Medical and Dental Officers in the reserve forces are due to move onto a new tri-Service incremental pay system from 1 April 2005. The pay of all members of the armed forces is revised annually on the basis of independent recommendations that the Government receive from the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) and the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB). Copies of the 2004 Reports of the SSRB and AFPRB can be found in the Libraries of both Houses.

Flight ZD576

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in reviewing the decision of the Board of Inquiry in relation to the crash of Flight ZD576, the reviewing air marshals consulted any third party before coming to their conclusions.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 15 October 2004
	Legal advice was provided for the benefit of the reviewing officers. In giving evidence to the House of Lords' Select Committee on 27 September 2001, Sir John Day referred to this advice [House of Lords Session 20002001, Select Committee on Chinook ZD576, HL Paper 25(i), page 120 para 282 A].

Medical Discharges

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have been medically discharged from each of the three Services since 2002; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: The numbers of medical discharges from the armed forces (both trained and untrained UK regular personnel) are given in the following tables (all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10):
	
		Naval Service
		
			  Financial Year 
			  200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Trained 420 350 290 
			 Untrained 130 60 60 
			 Total 540 410 350 
		
	
	
		Army
		
			  Financial Year 
			  200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Trained 470 490 340 
			 Untrained 620 560 610 
			 Total 1,090 1,060 950 
		
	
	
		RAF
		
			  Financial Year 
			  200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Trained 140 110 260 
			 Untrained 20 20 20 
			 Total 170 130 280

Parliamentary Questions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when he will answer the question, reference 146166, tabled by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South on 29 December 2003, on accommodation for junior ranks of the Services;
	(2)  when he will answer the question from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South, reference 160911, tabled on 9 March 2004;
	(3)  when he expects to reply to (a) question 146166, tabled on 29 December 2003 and (b) the pursuant questions (i) 160911, tabled on 10 March and (ii) 173351 tabled on 11 May; and what the reasons are for the delay in replying.

Ivor Caplin: I replied to the hon. Member on 22 July 2004, Official Report, column 524W. The delay in responding was due to difficulties in confirming figures.

Parliamentary Questions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer the question of 5 May 2004, from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South, on ship-borne surface-to-surface missiles, ref 171863.

Adam Ingram: I replied to the hon. Member on 8 September 2004, Official Report, column 1302W.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Boxing

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment was made, as part of the Government's recent efforts to promote boxing as a sport among young people, of the cumulative health effects of repeated blows to the head suffered by boxers; and what her Department's policy is on reducing injuries and deaths among boxers.

Richard Caborn: Boxing's governing bodies, under the guidance of Sport England, are required continuously to research and implement new safety measures. In amateur boxing, such measures have included the reduction in the duration of rounds of boxing from 3 to 2 minutes, a reduction in the weight categories from 3 kgs to 2 kgs for Junior Competition (Under 15) and an increase in the size of competition gloves from 8oz to 10oz. Amateur Boxing is also the only sport which requires and provides a comprehensive and updated medical history card for every participant which is completed by a doctor every time a competitor participates.
	The introduction of these safety factors throughout the UK has seen a marked reduction in the number of bouts stopped by a referee. Evidence of this can be gained from the recent Olympic Games in Athens where out of 276 bouts contested, only one was stopped and this involved Great Britain's Amir Khan.
	The Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAofE) recommended the introduction of the Kid Gloves programme (a non-contact form of boxing). The programme offers a disciplined and controlled environment where young people can learn to box in a drug and alcohol free environment.

British Museum

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funds her Department made available to the British Museum in (a) 199697 and (b) 200304.

Estelle Morris: In 199697, grant in aid allocated by DCMS to the British Museum was 33,196,000. In 200304 the allocation was 37,669,000.
	Funds are also available to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries through specific project funding streams. In 200304 the British Museum was allocated three such awards: 400,000 from the DCMS/Wolfson Foundation Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund; 115,000 of strategic commissioning funding to promote partnerships with regional museums; and 50,000 towards the Africa Project (the first part of a three year programme of funding for this project).

Consultants

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the contracts awarded by her Department to consultants in each of the last five years, stating in each case (a) the name of the consulting company, (b) the value of the contract and (c) the purpose for which the contract was awarded; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: Details of consultancy contracts from 1999 onwards are as follows.
	
		
			  Title  Contractor  Start date Value of contract () 
		
		
			 Industry Adviser to Design Partners Christine Losecaat 2003 20,000 
			 Fitness For Purpose Consultant Health Food and Safety Solutions 2003 16,000 
			 Capital of CultureFinal Sift Kingshurst Consulting Group 2003 16,875 
			 Capital of CultureDestination Marketing Consultant Tom Buncle 2003 6,000 
			 Assessment of Costs and BenefitsLondon Olympic Bid 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers 2003 38,000 
			 Review of Heritage Protection Legislation Gillian Ashmore 2003 50,000 
			 Project to Professionalise DCMS's Process for Making Public Appointments Odgers, Ray and Berndtson 2003 20,000 
			 Legal WorkSale of the Horserace Totalisator Board Linklaters 2003 150,000 
			 Consultancy ServicesTourist Data Project Denis Allnutt 2003 15,750 
			 Remembrance Day Services Interserve FM 2003 37,448 
			 Consultancy ServicesIPR in the Digital Environment Anthony Lilley 2003 5,000 
			 Independent Review of BBC Online Philip Graf 2003 80,000 
			 Museum Partnership Programme Research Centre for Museums and Galleries 2003 155,136 
			 360 Degree Feedback Ask Europe PLC 2003 130,070 
			 Consultancy ServicesOrganisation of Reform and Modernisation Seminar Shared Intelligence 2004 6,565 
			 Role and Contribution of Culture to Regeneration in UK London Metropolitan University 2004 19,000 
			 Tourism Satellite Account Welsh Economy Research Unit, Cardiff Business School 2004 63,850 
			 Tourism Productivity Study University of Nottingham 2004 45,547 
			 Independent Review of BBC Online: Economic Adviser Europe Economics 2004 18,000 
			 Independent Review of BBC Online: Media Adviser Spectrum Strategy Consultants 2004 205,000 
			 Scoping Survey of Culture and Sport in the UK BMRB 2004 43,267 
			 S4C ReviewTranslation Services prysg Translation Services 2004 5,000 
			 ChildrenMuseums Education Strategy Morris Hargreaves Mclntyre 2004 12,000 
			 BBC Charter Review: Independent Adviser Terry Burns 2004 18,000 
			 Total   1,176,508 
			 
			 Capital of Culture consultants Kingshurst Consulting Group 2002 30,480 
			 Independent Review of BBC News 24 Richard Lambert 2002 30,000 
			 AdviserEuropean Capital of Culture Robert Palmer 2002 30,000 
			 E-Commerce Impact Study on Tourism PricewaterhouseCoopers 2002 43,750 
			 Industry Export Groups: Industry Adviser Tim Gardom Associates 2002 8,700 
			 Review of BBC News 24 Opinion Survey Market and Opinion Research International (MORI) 2002 14,700 
			 Come into Coaching Sue Burgess Consultancy 2002 9,000 
			 Touchstone Change Management Consultant Stanton Marris 2002 85,000 
			 Financial AdvisorApethorpe Hall Atkins Management Consultants 2002 17,290 
			 Cultural Facilities Register Experian Bus Strategies/BOP 2002 42,400 
			 Total   311,320 
			 
			 Lottery Grants Pilot Study DTZ Pieda 2001 15.345 
			 COLDigital Services SRU Limited 2001 20,000 
			 Protecting the future of DCMS/CITF sectors of the economy Business Strategies Ltd. 2001 18,000 
			 Staff Survey ORC International 2001 12,000 
			 BBC Fair trading R Whish 2001 6,345 
			 COL Digital services Phase II SRU Limited 2001 17,500 
			 QUEST Research Programme MORI 2001 64,500 
			 Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Liberata 2001 1 ,300,000 
			 Internal Audit resources AHL Limited 2001 70,000 
			 Commonwealth Games review PricewaterhouseCoopers 2001 58,500 
			 COL formation legal advisers Withers 2001 7,500 
			 Consultancy support to horse race levy scheme Organisation Consulting Partnership 2001 40,000 
			 Total   1.571,190 
			 
			 Consultancy support to a staff attitude survey ORC International 2000 13,130 
			 Transparency of BBC's financial reporting Pannel Kerr Forster 2000 27,300 
			 Total   40,430 
			 
			 Efficiency Review of Government Sponsored Museums and Galleries Deloitte and Touche 1999 27,500 
			 Consultancy: Advice on Risk Management Systems for DCMS KPMG 1999 11,836 
			 Attitude Survey Research in Support of the BBC Funding Review Mori 1999 15,660 
			 Consultancy to study the BBC's financial projections and expenditure plans. PKF 1999 18,000 
			 Royal Armouries Consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers 1999 21,500 
			 Consultancy Service to Investigate E-Commerce Best Practice in the Cultural Sectors Spectrum 1999 26,790 
			 QuestBusiness Risk Management StrategiesConsultancy PWC 1999 24,220 
			 Total   145,506

Digital Television

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the postcode areas in Essex where Digital Terrestrial Television services are not available.

Estelle Morris: Unfortunately, it is not possible to list the postcodes in Essex where Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is not available. However, Ofcom have supplied detailed information about DTT coverage in the Essex area.
	Essex is served by three main transmitters that broadcast DTT services, at Sudbury, Crystal Palace and Bluebell Hill:
	Digital signals from Sudbury are available to viewers in north and central Essex, notably Colchester, Braintree, Halstead, Witham and parts of Chelmsford although currently, availability does not extend to the coast, or to the county's southern and western boundaries.
	Digital signals from Crystal Palace should be available to many viewers in the south and west of the county and reach Brentwood, Basildon, Billericay, Grays, Stanford Le Hope, Canvey Island, South Benfleet and parts of Southend.
	Digital signals from Bluebell Hill are also available to viewers in the south of the county, Grays, Stanford Le Hope, Canvey Island, South Benfleet and in parts of Southend.

Flodden Battlefield

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the proposed plans for alterations to the Flodden Battlefield site.

Richard Caborn: A grant of 24,970 has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to Branxton Parish Council to fund a project to explain, inform and stress the importance of Flodden Battlefield. The project will increase access to the battlefield by means of new footpaths and by publicising a short route which can be followed by car. Information boards and seats will also be placed at strategic points along these routes. In addition to this, Branxton Village Hall will be refurbished and will become a centre for a mobile exhibition about the battle. A video and leaflet promoting the battle and the local area will also be produced.

Ministerial Expenses

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the Department spent on (a) maintenance, (b) renovation, (c) council tax and (d) running costs of residential properties used by Ministers and officials in each year since 1997.

Richard Caborn: DCMS has no residential properties for the use of Ministers or officials.

Off-licences

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many off-licences have been revoked in each of the last 10 years.

Richard Caborn: Statistics on the number of licence revocations in England and Wales are collected on a triennial basis. The figures for years 1992, 1995, 1998 and 2001 are shown as follows:
	
		
			 Year to 30 June Total number of off licences revoked 
		
		
			 1992 46 
			 1995 116 
			 1998 102 
			 2001 51 
		
	
	The statistics for 2004 are expected to be published within the next month.

Tsar Appointments

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tsars have been appointed with responsibilities which cover part of the work of her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: There have been no 'tsars' appointed to cover any areas of the work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

ACAS Codes

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her assessment is of the likely effect of the new Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service codes extending to the employee a right of appeal against any disciplinary, grievance or dismissal decision made by their employer on (a) the volume of applications to employment tribunals and (b) small and medium-sized enterprises.

Nigel Griffiths: It is widely accepted good practice for employees to have the right of appeal against any dismissal, disciplinary or grievance decision. This has always been reflected in the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures and the revised Code does not differ from the previous version in this respect. This position is reinforced by the new Dispute Resolution Regulations (which came into force on 1 October 2004) that will make the right of appeal a statutory requirement. The Government do not expect this to have any impact on the volume of tribunals applications.

Business Links

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what practical support Business Links will be giving to the proposed community interest companies.

Nigel Griffiths: Since April 2003 all 45 Business Link operators have been required to include support for social enterprises in their business plans. The Community Interest Company will be one of several legal forms available to social enterprises from July 2005 and Business Link operators will provide a full range of service to such companies.
	I am asking the BLOs to make their plans public in respect of CICs before July 2005.

Chemicals Industry

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the future of the UK chemicals industry.

Jacqui Smith: The chemicals industry is well-established in the UK. The Government are committed to helping the industry remain competitive and innovative to help ensure a successful future.
	The Government-industry Chemicals Innovation and Growth Team Report in 2002 said that the chemicals industry had the potential to change and grow provided it grasped the opportunities. It set out a road map to help ensure that the industry would be best placed to do so. This process is being taken forward by the industry-led Chemistry Leadership Council with the support of Government.
	We have put in place the instruments to help provide the skills the industry needs, the support it needs on R and D and innovation, and to help ensure that regulation is designed and implemented in a way that takes into account the competitive needs of the industry.

Chemicals Industry

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to reduce regulation in the chemicals industry.

Jacqui Smith: The chemicals industry is rightly a highly regulated sector. This regulation is there to protect health and the natural environment. At the same time, however, legislation needs to promote innovation and competitiveness if the industry is to have a sustainable future. In order to enable us to address this balance in a more systematic way in line with the Government's Principles of Good Regulation, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the 2004 Budget Statement the establishment of a Chemicals Regulatory Forum. This forum is designed to provide both Government and industry with a better grasp of the cumulative impact and inter-relationship of existing regulation, and to offer the opportunity for an improved dialogue on emerging policy and regulatory proposals emanating from both the UK and the EU.
	More specifically, the UK Government have been very active in seeking to help shape the development of the proposed new EU Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH), to reflect the impact that these proposals will have on the chemicals industry. The changes to the draft regulation, as a result of these representations, have so far reduced the projected cost to the industry of REACH by approximately 10.6 billion.

Correspondence

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Minister for Construction, Small Business and Enterprise will reply to the letter dated 18 August from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding constituent, Mr. A. Keys of Peterhead.

Nigel Griffiths: I have answered the hon. Member's letter today and apologise for the delay.

Data Protection Scams

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what powers her Department closed down companies for operating data protection scams and other such practices last year.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The Office of Fair Trading has taken action under The Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 against a number of businesses and individuals disseminating such misleading mailings.

Directory Inquiries

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she has put in place to ensure that key installations, with particular reference to hospitals, are listed in BT telephone directories, following the introduction of competition for directory inquiry services where that installation may be registered with a different phone network; and how many such cases the Department has taken up.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Employment Legislation

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what prospective changes to UK employment legislation she expects as a result of Government understandings with trade unions.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government develop their proposals for employment legislation after appropriate consultation, taking into account the views of all interested stakeholders, including trade unions.

Industrial Tribunals

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases are waiting to be heard at industrial tribunal; what the average waiting time is; and what steps the Government are taking to reduce waiting times.

Gerry Sutcliffe: As at the end of August 2004, 109,535 cases were waiting to be heard at the Employment Tribunals. I regret that it is not possible to provide information on the average current waiting time. However, as at the end of August 2004 the year to date performance against the Employment Tribunals Service performance target of 75 per cent. of single Employment Tribunal cases to a first hearing within 26 week of receipt is 84 per cent. There are no plans at present to refocus resources in order to increase performance against this target.

Insolvency Service

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 12 May 2004, Official Report, column 438W, on the Insolvency Service, what measures she is taking to improve (a) the ratio of calls made from members of the public to the Insolvency Service's Enforcement Hotline regarding disqualified directors and (b) the number of cases accepted by the Legal Services Directorate for full investigation.

Gerry Sutcliffe: In order to reduce the ratio between relevant calls received and those referred to Legal Services Directorate (LSD), the message on the Enforcement Hotline was amended in April 2004.
	The message now clearly states the purpose of the Hotline and refers callers to the DTI Companies Investigation Branch or Office of Fair Trading if their query concerns a trading company; and to the Insolvency Service Central Enquiry Line for general insolvency queries. This has had the effect of reducing the number of invalid calls to the Hotline and will therefore reduce the ratio between the calls received and cases subsequently referred to LSD. Cases are referred to LSD by the Insolvency Service when there is an allegation of a criminal offence contrary to insolvency legislation.
	Decisions to investigate criminal allegations are taken by lawyers within the DTI. A lawyer will consider all the information or evidence available at the time and if it is considered that there is sufficient information or evidence then the complaint is passed to the Departments own Investigation Officers Section to conduct a criminal investigation into the complaint. Once the investigation is complete the lawyer will then consider whether in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and whether it is in the public interest to institute criminal proceedings.
	In view of the more detailed legal consideration given to any case by Legal Services Directorate, it is inevitable that not all cases referred to them will be taken forward for investigation.

Iraq

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many British companies have obtained contracts in the reconstruction programmes in Iraq.

Douglas Alexander: We wish to see UK companies play a substantial role in the reconstruction process in Iraq. Many are already doing so. British companies, however, are not obliged to give details of contacts won and there is no central organisation that publishes such information. We estimate that to date, British companies are involved in contracts for reconstruction and other work in Iraq to the value of around US $2.6 billion. British companies are active in the power, water, banking, ports, construction, telecoms, security, legal services and consultancy sectors.

Minimum Wage

David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at what age an employee qualifies for the new top rate of 4.85 national minimum wage.

Gerry Sutcliffe: From 1 October 2004 a worker who is aged 22 or more becomes entitled to the main national minimum wage rate of 4.85 an hour.

Ministerial Expenses

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Department spent on (a) maintenance, (b) renovation, (c) council tax and (d) running costs of residential properties used by Ministers and officials in each year since 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: I am informed that the Department has not had any residential property on its administrative estate since 1998 and that information about the costs for previous years is already in the public domain.

Post Office

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the budget is for the Post Office Reinvention Programme; and how much has been spent to date.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government have provided 210 million for Post Office Ltd's reinvention programme: 180 million for compensation payments to exiting sub-postmasters and 30 million for improvements to offices that remain.
	To date, 115 million has been paid to Post Office Ltd in respect of compensation payments and 5.4 million in respect of improvement investment grants.

Post Office

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies she has initiated of the effect on main post offices of sub post office closures; and if she will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: None. This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd.

Statutory Dismissal Procedure

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from (a) trade unions and (b) small businesses on the new statutory dismissal procedure to be introduced on 1 October.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government recognises that the statutory dispute resolution regulations are likely to have a significant impact on Britain's workplaces. Therefore, a wide range of pre-consultation and consultation activities were undertaken.
	An Advisory Group was set up in March 2003 to involve key employer and employee stakeholders in policy development and drafting. Members were drawn from small firms organisations, trade unions, sector-specific trade associations and other Government agencies. On the trade union side, the Trades Union Congress, Transport and General Workers Union, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, and GMB were involved. The following small business groups participated as well: Small Business Council, Federation of Small Business, British Chambers of Commerce, and Forum for Private Business.
	A 16-week public consultation closed on 29 October 2003. A total of 203 responses were received: 66 (or 32.5 per cent.) were received from individual employers and 20 (or 9.9 per cent.) were received from trade unions.
	This was supplemented by a number of specialist focus groups: two for small businesses and one for trade union legal officers.

Trade Unions (Yorkshire)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were members of a trade union in (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) the City of York (i) in 1997 and (ii) at the latest date for which figures are available.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information is as follows.
	(a) Union density for employees in Yorkshire and Humber for autumn 2003 is 32.8 per cent.
	(b) Unfortunately the Labour Force survey (LFS) only measures Government office region and unitary authority/county level. Therefore, the City of York is not available.
	(i) For autumn 1997 Yorkshire and Humber union density was 27.3 per cent.
	(ii) These are the latest figures available from the LFS. Union membership is only available in autumn quarters.

Wholesale Gas Market

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the need for a pan-European investigation into the operation of the wholesale gas market.

Mike O'Brien: The European Commission is required under Directive 2003/55 concerning common rules for the internal gas market to monitor the operation of the EU gas market and publish annual reports. In addition, the Commission must produce a detailed report outlining progress in creating the internal gas market before 2006 and, where appropriate, propose further measures to address, inter alia, competition issues.

Wholesale Gas Market

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the need for a pan-European body to oversee the operation of the wholesale gas market.

Mike O'Brien: All EU member states are required to have independent gas regulators with responsibility for, inter alia, ensuring effective competition and efficient functioning of the EU gas market. The regulators meet regularly to consider pan-European issues, which may include the operation of the wholesale gas market.
	The European Commission has powers under the competition rules in the EC Treaty to address restrictions or distortions of competition in the EU.

PRIME MINISTER

Cabinet Committees

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister whether the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee with the Liberal Democrats has been wound up; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the list of Cabinet Committees which is available in the House Libraries and is also available on the Cabinet Office website.

Freedom of Information

Tony Wright: To ask the Prime Minister whether he proposes to amend the Ministerial Code to refer to the procedure that should be followed by ministers before issuing a certificate under section 53 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Tony Blair: The Ministerial Code will be amended as appropriate to reflect Ministers' responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. More detailed guidance to Ministers and civil servants on the interpretation of the Act, including the issue of a section 53 certificate, will be issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Government Departments

Julian Lewis: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 11 October 2004, Official Report, column 53W, on Government Departments, in reply to the hon. Member for New Forest, East, if he will list the reasons for his belief, that dividing the work of his Department between the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office and a separate Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster best meets the needs of this Government; and why he made this change at this time.

Tony Blair: I have nothing further to add to my answer to the hon. Member on 11 October 2004, Official Report, column 53W.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister whether he has completed the investigation into the intelligence on the allegations that Iraq sought uranium from Africa, to which he made reference in his oral answer of 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 154.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 22 July 2004, Official Report, column 463W.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what the basis was for his statement to the House on 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 161, that he has no doubt that the Iraq Survey Group would find the clearest possible evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to answers I gave at Prime Minister's questions on 13 October.

Iraq

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Prime Minister what evidence he used to support his statements to the House (a) on 25 February 2003, Official Report, column 124, on the prospect of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction remaining intact and (b) on 18 March 2003, on Iraq not being the only regime with weapons of mass destruction.

Tony Blair: On the prospect of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction remaining intact, I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave at Prime Minister's questions on 13 October. Countries of concern other than Iraq and Global Trade are covered in Chapter 2 of the Butler Report.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he took to validate the claims made by Hussein Kamel in 1995, under questioning by the United Kingdom's secret intelligence services and the intelligence services of the United States, that Saddam Hussein had already destroyed his weapons of mass destruction.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for East Carmarthen and Dinefwr (Adam Price) on 16 September 2004, Official Report, columns 1775776W.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list each occasion recorded in the Official Report where he claimed Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction; and if he will publish a correction of each statement in the Official Report.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw) on 12 October 2004, Official Report, columns 15155, and the answers I gave at Prime Minister's questions on 13 October.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Adam Price), of 16 September 2004, Official Report, column 1776W, on Iraq, if he will identify in respect of each question the particular part of the Butler Review and the other unnamed inquiries and statements to which he refers that provide the answer in each case.

Tony Blair: These documents are publicly available and can be found in the Official Report, the Libraries of the House and on the No. 10 website.

Iraq

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Prime Minister when he received the final report from the Iraq Survey Group on weapons of mass destruction; and if he will make a statement.

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister on what date he received the Iraq Survey Group's recent report; and when he read it.

Tony Blair: I received a final copy of the report when it was published on 6 October 2004.

Iraq

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  which parts of the Iraq Survey Group report (a) confirm and (b) dispute the findings of United Nations weapons inspectors from 200203;
	(2)  which parts of the Iraq Survey Group report (a) confirm and (b) dispute the findings detailed in Government dossiers on this issue.

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  with which conclusions of the Iraq Survey Group he does not agree; and if he will give the reason for disagreement in each case;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the findings of the Iraq Survey Group's report compared to his dossier entitled Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction, dated September 2002; and what steps he has taken to establish why there are significant differences between the conclusions;
	(3)  what comparative assessment he has made of the findings of the Iraq Survey Group's report and his dossier entitled Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction, dated September 2002; and what steps he has taken to establish the reasons for the significant differences between the conclusions.

Paul Flynn: To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a list of all matters in the Iraq September dossier that were untrue, inaccurate or otherwise misleading; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friends to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Jack Straw) on 12 October 2004, Official Report, column 15155, and the answers I gave at Prime Minister's Questions on 13 October.

Krishna Maharaj

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  what information he has obtained since his oral answer to the hon. Member for Worthing, West in 2001 relating to Krishna Maharaj's applications for a new trial;
	(2)  if he will inform authorities in the United States about the recent letter from the hon. Member for Worthing, West about the doubts relating to the conviction of Krishna Maharaj for murder and the possible involvement of another.

Tony Blair: I understand that the Foreign Office are in contact with Mr. Maharaj's lawyers who update them on new developments in his case, and are aware that Mr. Maharaj's lawyers are undertaking federal habeas corpus proceedings before the Florida courts with a view to obtaining a retrial.
	The issues raised by the hon. Member in his recent letter are legal matters relating to Mr. Maharaj's case. Such matters are for Mr. Maharaj's legal team to pursue.

Ministerial Travel (Carbon Audit)

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will request from British Airways a carbon audit of his recent visit to Ethiopia, including the cost incurred in providing in-flight meals.

Tony Blair: As my office has made clear this is a matter for the company. I travel making the most efficient and cost-effective arrangements. My travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in Chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code, and the accompanying guidance document, Travel by Ministers.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Starter Home Initiative (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many key workers in Buckinghamshire purchased homes under the Starter Home Initiative in (a) 200102, (b) 200203 and (c) 200304.

Keith Hill: The table as follows sets out details of the key workers in Buckinghamshire who have been helped to purchase homes under the Starter Home Initiative.
	
		
			  Number of key workers assisted 
		
		
			 200102 None 
			 200203 46 
			 200304 218 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The table includes key workers employed within Milton Keynes.
	2. A small number of key workers who applied for the Starter Home Initiative in 200304 did not complete their purchases until 200405. The breakdown of these purchasers by county is not yet available.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Martin Smyth: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to abolish means testing for disabled facilities grant for parents of disabled children in England and Wales.

Keith Hill: In response to a parliamentary question in the other place on 5 January 2004, Official Report, columns 14, my right hon. Friend the noble Lord Rooker announced a review of the disabled facilities grant programme.
	This review is now under way. Its terms of reference are to review the operation and outcomes of the disabled facilities grant (DFG) programme and to make proposals to improve its efficiency and fairness. This will include a review of the DFG means test.
	The Review Group will report to Ministers in May 2005.

Historic Areas

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will assess the merits of establishing a commission to advise him on the preservation of a quality environment in areas of historic national importance.

Richard Caborn: I have been asked to reply.
	English Heritage was established in 1983 to act as the Government's statutory advisor on all aspects of the historic environment. In addition, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment was set up in 1999 to act as the national champion for high quality buildings, places and public spaces. It works closely with English Heritage on projects involving the historic environment.

Housing

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the number of unfit private sector dwellings in (a) Pendle and (b) Burnley.

Keith Hill: According to the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix data supplied by Burnley and Pendle Borough Councils to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the number of unfit private dwellings as of 1 April 2004 were:
	
		Unfit Private Dwellings 1 April 2004
		
			  
		
		
			 Burnley 9,320 
			 Pendle 6,642

Local Government Corruption

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what procedures he has put in place to prevent corruption in local government.

Nick Raynsford: The public expects high standards of conduct by members and officers of local authorities. To help ensure them, the Government established a new ethical framework for local government under the Local Government Act 2000 and subsequent Regulations. Every local authority was required to adopt, by May 2002, a local code setting out the standards of conduct expected of its members. Such codes must include all the provisions of the Model Code issued by the Government. An independent body, the Standards Board for England, was established to investigate allegations that members have breached the code, and local authorities' standards committees were given a role in promoting high standards of conduct locally. Regulations have recently been put in place to provide for local investigation and determination of less serious allegations of misconduct.
	In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recently begun consultation on a proposed code setting out the standards of conduct expected of local government employees. If issued, it would become part of employees' terms and conditions of employment.
	To help maintain financial propriety, local authorities are subject to external audit by auditors appointed by the Audit Commission, whose role is to ensure that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively.

Network Rail (Development Rights)

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Network Rail's permitted development rights in (a) conservation areas, (b) national parks and (c) areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Keith Hill: In England and Wales, Railway undertakers have permitted development rights for certain development on their operational land, required in connection with the movement of traffic by rail, under Part 17 of Schedule 2 to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). They also have permitted development rights under Part 11 of Schedule 2 (Development under Local or Private Acts or Orders). These permitted development rights may be exercised in conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. However, DOE Circulars 15/92 and 9/95 provide guidance to statutory undertakers on their use of permitted development rights. They make it clear that local planning authorities should be informed of any proposal likely to have a significant effect on amenity and the environment.
	In exceptional circumstances a local planning authority may consider that normal planning control should apply to permitted development. The planning authority can make and submit to the Secretary of State an order under Article 4 of the GPDO seeking the removal of the particular permitted development right and requiring an application for planning permission.
	In Scotland, land use planning matters are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of whether current legislation provides an effective remedy to deal with harassment of park home residents by unscrupulous site operators.

Keith Hill: The park home working party was set up in 1998 to consider the operation of the existing controls on residential park homes and to make recommendations on what changes if any, were felt to be desirable to achieve a fair and workable balance between the needs and interests of park owners and home owners. The working party highlighted significant evidence of harassment and made 30 recommendations to alter this.
	The current provisions in the Housing Bill will address the principal concerns identified by the working party. Further work is in hand on a range of the remaining recommendations. This will involve separate consultations on site licensing, the future revision of model standards and other issues.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what reports he has received of park home site operators pressurising residents to sell or leave their home.

Keith Hill: The park home working party was set up in 1998 to consider the operation of the existing controls on residential park homes and make recommendations on what changes, if any, were felt to be desirable to achieve a fair and workable balance between the needs and interests of park owners and home owners. The working party highlighted significant evidence of harassment and made 30 recommendations to rectify the situation.
	In addition to the report of the park home working party, an independent study of the 'Economics of the Park Home Industry' was commissioned in 2002. It found that 29 per cent. of residents claimed other residents had been pressured to leave the site and 7 per cent. of existing residents had also suffered pressure by the site owner to leave the site. It also found that the levels of satisfaction expressed by park home owners was significantly lower than in other tenure types.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many park home (a) operator licences, (b) sites and (c) residents there are.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many park home residences there were in each of the last 10 years.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The 'Economics of the Park Home Industry' report 2002 identified 1,683 parks in England and Wales. It estimated that there were 69,000 households currently residing on parks in England and Wales, representing a population of approximately 114,000 adults and 2,400 children.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently constructing a database which will contain details of all park home sites in the country. It will be completed by the end of 2004 and updated annually.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many park home sites operate in the (a) public and (b) private sector.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not collect data on the split between sites operated in the public and private sectors.
	The Economics of the Park Home Industry Report 2002, identified 1,683 parks in England and Wales. The study estimates that there are 69,000 households currently residing on parks in England and Wales, representing a population of approximately 114,000 adults and 2,400 children. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister estimates that local authorities manage relatively few sites.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently constructing a database, which will contain details of all park home sites in the country. This will be made available to local authorities and stakeholders and will enable us to establish what percentage of parks are owned by local authorities.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the proportion of park home sites that are well-managed; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: The park home working party made a sound assessment in quality and management of park home sites but did not produce statistics on the exact percentage of sites that are well managed. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is satisfied from the 4,000 responses received when the draft Housing Bill consultation was published that there are areas in park home legislation that do not offer adequate protection for residents.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is giving further consideration as to how to improve awareness of how sites are managed.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which bodies have been consulted on the park home reform proposals.

Keith Hill: A list of principal consultees on the current consultation paper on Park Home Statutory Instruments follows. Others have made their thoughts known to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister since publication and we will take into account their comments.
	List of key organisations to be consulted
	British Holiday and Home Park Association
	British Park Home Residents Association
	Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
	Independent Park Home Advisory Service
	National Association for Park Home Residents
	National Park Home Council
	Park Home Legal Services
	Park Home Resident Action Alliance
	Note:
	The above list (in alphabetical order) is not a definitive list of groups and organisations that have been consulted.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will extend the current consultation period on park homes reform to enable (a) individual residents who are not members of a residents' association and (b) residents' associations to submit views.

Keith Hill: The consultation paper has been publicised in trade magazines and local papers and is available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website in both English and Welsh. It meets the Cabinet Office code of practice guidance on consultation. From the number and range of responses already received, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is confident that the consultation paper has reached a representative sample of site owners and residents. Any further delay would put at risk the timetable for securing improvements for park home owners.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what proportion of park home sites there is (a) no, (b) one and (c) more than one residents' association.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Park Home Sites

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the proportion of park home residents who are members of a residents' association.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister estimates that in excess of 10,000 people are members of the three principal national residents' associations approximately 10 per cent. of the number of park home owners.

Planning

Paul Truswell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning appeals have been (a) submitted, (b) upheld and (c) rejected in the last five years for which figures are available.

Keith Hill: The information requested is tabled as follows:
	
		Planning Appeals in England
		
			  No submitted (received) No upheld (allowed) No rejected (dismissed) 
		
		
			 200001 15,336 4,515 8,401 
			 200102 16,776 4,893 8,646 
			 200203 18,554 5,471 9,550 
			 200304 22,548 5,991 10,422 
			 200405(3) 12,214 2,526 4,925 
		
	
	(3) To 30 September 2004

Planning

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what investigation he has made into the practice whereby a purchaser of land is able to package that land into plots for re-sale on the basis of a development opportunity when there is little or no chance of planning permission being granted;
	(2)  if he will estimate how many cases there have been in the last five years of land being purchased and being packaged up into plots and then being sold on, on the basis of a development opportunity when planning permission has little or no chance of being granted.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is very aware, particularly from correspondence and contacts with local planning authorities, of the problems and concerns arising from the practice of subdividing rural land into plots for sale. The Government's position was made clear in the Statement I made to the House on 19 April 2004, Official Report, columns 24WS and in the Adjournment Debate given by my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham on 12 October 2004, Official Report, columns 5663WH. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no statistical information on plot-sales.

Planning

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to undertake a public consultation exercise on the Companion Guide accompanying Planning Policy Statement 22.

Keith Hill: None. The draft companion guide to PPS22 has been produced by external consultants working for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The research undertaken to produce the guide involved extensive discussions with local planning authorities and other stakeholders. However, it is not departmental practice to engage in wider consultation on good practice guides that are produced to support the policies set out in Planning Policy Statements.

Regional Government

David Wilshire: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his plans to consult electors in the South East Region on the draft Regional Assemblies Bill.

Nick Raynsford: The draft regional assemblies Bill was published to help inform those voting in a referendum on whether or not to have an elected regional assembly and not for consultation. A referendum is scheduled to take place in the North East of England of 4 November. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would, of course, value any comments on the draft Bill that electors across the country wish to make.

Runwell Hospital

Mark Francois: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what stage has been reached in his Department's acquisition of the Runwell Hospital site from the Department of Health; which officials in (a) his Department and (b) English Heritage will now be responsible for administering the future of the site; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: The Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health announced at a press conference on 7 April the in principle agreement to transfer a portfolio of about 100 surplus NHS sites to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It is intended that the portfolio will be used to tackle housing shortages, including key worker housing, and promote the regeneration of priority areas as part of the 22 billion Sustainable Communities Plan.
	The detailed arrangements to facilitate the transfer of sites are being developed by officials in Department of Health and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The portfolio, including Runwell Hospital in Essex, remains in the ownership of the Department of Health. Proposals for each site will be worked up in consultation with the relevant local planning authority following transfer. A further announcement will be made at that stage.

Social Housing (York)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many social rented homes there were in York in each year since the unitary council was established.

Keith Hill: The requested information is tabled as follows showing local authority and housing association tenures separately.
	
		Local authority housing
		
			 Year ending 1 April  Council homes sold under RTB Council stock Year on year reduction in stock 
		
		
			 1996 115 (103h, 12f) 9,602  
			 1997 116 (106h, 10f) 9,508 -94 
			 1998 152 (134h, 18f) 9,341 -167 
			 1999 138 (131h, 7f) 9,212 -129 
			 2000 265 (245h, 20f) 8,962 -250 
			 2001 186 (173h, 13f) 8,775 -187 
			 2002 171 (147h, 24f) 8,604 -171 
			 2003 188 (152h, 36f) 8,406 -198 
			 2004 127 (98h, 29f) 8,224 -182 
		
	
	
		Housing association stock
		
			  General needs Shared ownership/leasehold schemes for elderly Sales 
		
		
			 1996 1,180 29  
			 1997 3,064 386  
			 1998 3,181 461 82 
			 1999 3,161 477 47 
			 2000 3,299 474 51 
			 2001 3,389 483 55 
			 2002 3,401 430 18 
			 2003 3,423 475 8 
			 2004 3,654 483 26 
		
	
	
		Housing association unit completions
		
			  Approved development programme (ADP) Social housing grant Total 
		
		
			 199697 19 107 126 
			 199798 102 20 122 
			 199899 73  73 
			 19992000 141 31 172 
			 200001 143 30 173 
			 200102 85 14 99 
			 200203 20 19 39 
			 200304 46 14 60 
			 200405 44 0 44 
			 Total 673 235 908

Social Housing (York)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much the Government and local authority invested in social housing in York in each year since it became a unitary council.

Keith Hill: The amounts spent by York on housing investment, including spending on private sector renewal, since April 1996 are tabled. The table also gives the funding provided by central government to support this and for the provision of affordable housing through the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme.
	
		 million
		
			  Housing Capita Spend Central Government Support(4) Approved Development Programme 
		
		
			 199697 6.166 3.377 1.873 
			 199798 5.759 2.773 1.379 
			 199899 6.816 3.441 1.750 
			 19992000 6.702 3.595 1.602 
			 200001 6.496 5.330 2.923 
			 200102 8.013 6.796 2.248 
			 200203 7.904 6.581 1.521 
			 200304 8.491 6.251 3.323 
			 200405(5) 12.170 6.389 2.676 
		
	
	(4) These figures include the Housing Investment Programme, Private Sector Renewal, Disabled Facilities Grant, Capital Receipts Initiative, Cash Incentive Scheme and Major Repairs Allowance. They also include, up to 2003/04, an element assumed to be funded from the authority's capital receipts.
	(5) Provisional figures

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional sewerage treatment plants will be required under the Government's growth plan for additional houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: It has always been an important part of the planning system to co-ordinate new development with the infrastructure it demands. The plan-led system ensures that links between infrastructure and developments are properly investigated. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) requires that local planning authorities develop a strategic approach to infrastructure provision when preparing local development documents, in terms of transport, water, sewerage, waste and general community facilities. Regional planning bodies and local planning authorities are working closely with infrastructure providers, such as Thames Water and Southern Water, to identify the need for additional sewerage capacity to support new development in the Thames Gateway.
	Planning for predicted increases in sewage collection and treatment requirements (for example, as a result of new development) also forms part of the water and sewerage companies' resource planning process. Every five years each regional water company produces a 25-year business plan to take account of predicted significant increases in collection and treatment requirements. The Environment Agency reviews these plans to check for consistency with regional and national strategies. The plans identify changes in demand and identify a prioritised list of appropriate projects for investment (which can include sewerage treatment plants) looking forward over the medium and longer term.
	The draft determinations by the Office of Water Services for investment by Southern Water for 200510 do provide for increased capacity of existing sewers and sewage treatment plants in the Thames Gateway area. At present, no additional sewerage treatment plants are planned.

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate the number of additional allotments in the area needed as a consequence of the Government's current growth plan for an additional 120,000 houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. It has always been an important part of the planning system to co-ordinate new development with the infrastructure and community facilities it demands. In the Thames Gateway as elsewhere, the plan-led system ensures that links between infrastructure and developments are properly investigated. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) requires that local planning authorities develop a strategic approach to infrastructure provision when preparing local development documents, in terms of transport, water, sewerage, waste and general community facilities.
	The Government's commitment to the provision of green space, including allotments, is laid out in Planning Policy Statement 1 which states that well designed public and green spaces are required as part of building sustainable communities. The Government states in Planning Policy Guidance 17 that open space standards are best set at a local level, as national standards cannot cater for local circumstances. Local authorities are expected to carry out assessments of the needs of their communities that will be used to set robust standards for the provision of all types of open spaces. This applies equally to the Thames Gateway as elsewhere in the country. Planning Policy Guidance 3 (PPG3) emphasises the value open spaces such as allotments can add to a community and classes allotments as open spaces so that they can be protected from the priority given to development on brownfield land.
	The Government is encouraging the enhancement and the creation of a range of new greenspace within the Thames Gateway. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs jointly published Creating Sustainable Communities: Greening the Gateway in January 2004, setting out the importance of green infrastructures in the Thames Gateway. The document recognises the importance that allotments can play in helping to contribute to a diverse greenspace network across the Thames Gateway as well as offering a way for local people to take gentle exercise and have more direct contact with a supply of healthy food.

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional (a) acute hospital beds and (b) medical staff, including general practitioners, will be required under the Government's current growth plan for an additional 120,000 houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working with the Department of Health and the four Strategic Health Authorities in the Thames Gateway to ensure that they are aware of the impact that the increased population created by the Government's growth area policy will have on the provision of health and social care facilities, including staff and hospital beds, in the future.
	The Department of Health is fully engaged and committed to the programme, and in March 2004 they announced in a written statement to Parliament, a new funding package for the four growth areas, including the Thames Gateway. The package entails:
	An additional 20 million of revenue funding per annum for 200405 and 200506 for those Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) that are already experiencing considerable population growth as a direct consequence of development in the four growth areas;
	An additional 20 million of capital resources for allocation in 200506 to the growth areas;
	From 200607, a commitment to include a growth area adjustment in future PCT allocations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department of Health are working together to predict future populations in the growth areas, including the Thames Gateway, to inform this adjustment.

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional (a) nurseries and (b) playschools will be required under the Government's current growth plan for an additional 120,000 houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: The Sure Start programme funds child care provision, including nurseries and playschools. It takes into account local authority estimates of required places based on population statistics. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Education and Skills will work together to assist local authorities in planning future needs, for example, by providing forecasts of population changes in the Thames Gateway. Given that child care facilities can vary in their size, it is not possible to estimate exactly how many will be required to meet any additional places.

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional libraries will be required under the Government's current growth plan for an additional 120,000 houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. It has always been an important part of the planning system to co-ordinate new development with the infrastructure it demands. In the Thames Gateway as elsewhere, the plan-led system ensures that links between infrastructure and developments are properly investigated. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) requires that local planning authorities develop a strategic approach to infrastructure provision when preparing local development documents, in terms of transport, water, sewerage, waste and general community facilities.
	In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working closely with other Government departments to ensure that the raft of community services and infrastructure required to support housing growth will be delivered across the Thames Gateway. This work is led by MISC 22, the Cabinet Committee that oversees the development of the growth areas in the South-East.

Thames Gateway Housing

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional leisure centres will be required under the Government's current growth plan for an additional 120,000 houses to be built between 2003 and 2016 in the Thames Gateway.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. It has always been an important part of the planning system to co-ordinate new development with the infrastructure it demands. In the Thames Gateway as elsewhere, the plan-led system ensures that links between infrastructure and developments are properly investigated. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) requires that local planning authorities develop a strategic approach to infrastructure provision when preparing local development documents, in terms of transport, water, sewerage, waste and general community facilities.
	In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working closely with other Government departments to ensure that the raft of community services and infrastructure required to support housing growth will be delivered across the Thames Gateway. This work is led by MISC 22, the Cabinet Committee that oversees the development of the growth areas in the South-East.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Asia and Europe Meeting

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Asia and Europe meeting in Hanoi.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister represented the UK at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held in Hanoi on 8 to 9 October. At the Summit we exchanged views with our EU and Asian ASEM partners on a range of issues, including the role and reform of the UN, counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation, environmental issues, the EU-Asia trade relationship and the need for cultural dialogue.
	As a key objective for the Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister urged ASEM partners to discuss ways in which developing and developed countries could meet their energy needs in a sustainable way. ASEM partners agreed to pursue this. The UK, in partnership with Indonesia, also launched an initiative promoting interfaith dialogue, which received support from a number of EU and Asian ASEM partners. We and our Indonesian partners will now take this forward.
	The Deputy Prime Minister, together with several of our EU partners, also raised the unacceptable lack of progress towards democratisation in Burma, and called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, the lifting of restrictions on the National League for Democracy, the start of genuine dialogue and an early visit by the UK Secretary-General's Special Representative, Razali Ismail. The UK worked closely with EU and Asian ASEM partners to build general consensus on the inclusion of language on Burma in the ASEM Chair Statement, which calls for all political groups in the country to be able to participate in national reconciliation and democratisation. We believe that this sends the regime a clear signal that ASEM partners share serious concerns about the situation in Burma.
	In the margins the Deputy Prime Minister held bilaterals with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Premier of the People's Republic of China and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Correspondence

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to provide a full response to the letter from the hon. Member for North Norfolk of 13 November 2003 on the award of licences for the provision of mobile telecommunications services in Iraq.

Bill Rammell: My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean replied to the hon. Member on 15 September. In doing so, she referred to answers given in response to written parliamentary questions and explained the reasons for the lengthy delay in sending a substantive reply to the hon. Member's original letter. I will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

Entry Clearance Fees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the entry clearance fee is for visitors from India to the UK.

Chris Mullin: Visitors applying for visas to the UK pay the equivalent of 36 sterling in their local currency. The fee for a standard visit visa application in India is currently 3,100 rupees.

Entry Clearance Fees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are used in setting the entry clearance fee in different (a) countries and (b) cases.

Chris Mullin: UKvisas administrate a self-funding operation. Visa fees are set at a level that ensures the full cost of providing the entry clearance service worldwide is met from fee income so that the taxpayer is not accountable for any of the costs.
	A flat fee for each category of visa application is set in pounds sterling and charged to applicants worldwide at an equivalent rate in their local currency. The fees for each category are set at a level that is proportionate to the cost of processing that type of application.

Entry Clearance Fees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy for the entry clearance fee to be refundable if the applicant is denied a visa.

Chris Mullin: Processing of a visa application incurs an administrative cost regardless of the outcome of that application. It is therefore our policy to pass this cost on equally to both successful and the unsuccessful applicants. There are no plans to alter this policy.

Faroe Islands

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the last time was that he was in contact with the Government of the Faroe Islands; and what the purpose of this contact was.

Denis MacShane: There has been no recent contact between my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Government of the Faroe Islands. However, my right hon. Friend the Fisheries Minister (Mr. Bradshaw) visited the Faroe Islands on 2325 September to discuss fisheries issues. Our ambassador, Sir Nicholas Browne, visited on 711 May to meet the new Prime Minister Eidesgaard and other members of his Government. The visit was part of our embassy's ongoing contacts with the Faroese Government, which include appointing an Honorary Consul in Torshavn.

Gaza

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to try to reduce tensions in northern Gaza; and how many people he estimates have been killed or wounded since the Israeli authorities intervened in the refugee camps there.

Bill Rammell: We remain extremely concerned by the situation in Gaza. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 4 October and expressed our concern to Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom the same day. My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean also raised this with the Israeli ambassador on 6 October. On 13 October the Foreign Secretary issued a second statement reiterating his concerns, and the issue was again raised at official level with the Israeli ambassador. Copies of the Foreign Secretary's press releases are available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news/press-releases. British embassy officials in Tel Aviv also lobby the Israeli Defence Force, and we continue to urge Israel to act proportionately with restraint and in accordance with international law.
	Since Operation Days of Penitence began on 29 September, we estimate that 119 Palestinians have been killed and 395 injured. five Israelis have also been killed.
	The Palestinian casualty figures are as of 13 October, from the British Information and Service Office in Gaza. It should be noted that the total figures include both civilian and militant casualties. These are very difficult to separate for reasons given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State at the FCO (Mr. MacShane) in the written statement on the Middle East Peace Process (Civilian Deaths) issued on 7 September 2004, Official Report, columns 11213WS.

Gaza

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of Israel's unilateral disengagement plan from Gaza.

Bill Rammell: We welcome the Israeli plan to withdraw from all Gaza settlements and some in the West Bank. Disengagement should be a real opportunity for progress back to the Roadmap. We have called on Israel to ensure withdrawal is full, carried out without undue delay and co-ordinated with the Palestinians and the international community. Likewise we have called on the Palestinian Authority to prepare to take on fully their responsibilities, including on security.

Hurricane Ivan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information sources and communication vehicles have been put in place to help UK residents contact family and friends who have been affected by Hurricane Ivan.

Chris Mullin: Consular Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) expanded its 24-hour call-handling capacity during Hurricane Ivan's passage through the Caribbean and into the southern United States, providing fresh information as it became available. This included informing families and friends of relevant websites. Relevant travel advice on the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk was updated regularly.
	In Grenada, our High Commission staff helped many families get in touch with each other, passed on messages, and allowed UK nationals who visited the British High Commission to use the one working phone line in Grenada and to use mobile phones to contact relatives in the UK. In Jamaica the Cable  Wireless landlines held up well during the Hurricane and most of those who needed to were able to phone abroad. However, High Commission staff did assist a number of families to get in touch with each other and passed on a number of messages from family members.
	HMS Richmond (The Atlantic Patrol Taskforce (North)) provided emergency communications on the Islands. In the Cayman Islands, the Task force was instrumental in establishing early communication between the Governor and London.

Iceland

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Iceland during the last year; and for what reasons.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not held discussions with the Government of Iceland in the last year. However, I visited Iceland on 2122 July to discuss with the then Foreign and Industry Ministers a range of issues relating to Iceland's relationship with the European Union. My hon. Friend the Fisheries Minister (Mr. Bradshaw) visited on 1012 August to discuss fisheries management issues. Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence officials visited Iceland in June for annual bilateral consultations and the British ambassador in Iceland enjoys regular high level discussions with all levels of the Icelandic Government.

Iraq

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the oral statement on Iraq of 12 October 2004, Official Report, columns 15155, on what date the intelligence relating to the claim that chemical and biological weapons could be deployed within 45 minutes was officially withdrawn.

Jack Straw: I was informed that the lines of intelligence reporting to which I referred to in my Statement to the House of 12 October 2004, Official Report, column 152, had been formally withdrawn on 7 October.
	I informed Parliament at the earliest opportunity I could. I was in Luxembourg on EU business on 11 October.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the sites in Iraq identified by British intelligence as a facility involved in weapons of mass destruction that were passed on to the Iraq Survey Group; and if he will identify the source of the intelligence in each case.

Jack Straw: The Iraq Survey Group (ISG) worked from its own lists of sites, and sought comments from the UK Government. The Government expressed a view as to which they considered to be the priority sites for exploitation. The ISG Report acknowledges the support they received from SIS and the Defence Intelligence Staff.
	Beyond what is published in the ISG Report, I am withholding further details of the assistance provided under exemption l(a) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Ms Nina Jones

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Police Force in Prague and (b) Interpol following the disappearance of Ms Nina Jones of Kingsbridge, Devon; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Mullin: holding answer 14 October 2004
	Ms Nina Jones went missing in Prague on 28 March. Her details were given to Interpol in London who passed a search request to their counterparts in Prague. The Czech Police conducted exhaustive inquiries with hospitals, morgues and local language schools across the Czech Republic.
	Our Consular staff are in regular contact with Interpol Prague who liaise closely with the Czech Police. Ms Jones's details, including recent photographs, are stored on a central database with the municipal, border and regular Czech Police and are flagged for immediate attention should she be found. In August Consular staff asked Interpol to provide an update on their investigations and that a further check be carried out of both local and psychiatric hospitals. Unfortunately, there is still no trace of Ms Jones.
	Consular staff are helping the family to distribute missing persons leaflets through our embassy in Prague. We will continue to offer the family consular assistance and liaise with the relevant authorities to help identify Ms Jones's whereabouts.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which Nordic countries the United Kingdom is in discussion over (a) co-operation and (b) bilateral meetings.

Denis MacShane: The United Kingdom is in ongoing and regular contact with all five Nordic countries at all levels and on a wide range of issues. Our Embassies, in close liaison with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other government departments, are the front line for day-to-day contact. A good deal of formal co-operation between the United Kingdom and the three EU Nordic members, and three NATO Nordic members takes place in the context of those organisations, and also in the United Nations, its specialised agencies and other multilateral fora. In addition, a number of formal agreements with Iceland and Norway are negotiated through the European Union on behalf of all member states. Details can be found on the website of the European Commission: www.europa.eu.int.
	The United Kingdom is currently negotiating a bilateral Framework Treaty on Oil and Gas with Norway. The UK also enters into a number of other routine agreements with the Nordic countries. These include for example Memoranda of Understanding governing the relationships between our troops where they serve together overseas.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bi-lateral agreements the UK Government (a) has and (b) has had in the last 30 years with Nordic countries.

Denis MacShane: The United Kingdom is currently negotiating a bilateral Framework Treaty on Oil and Gas with Norway. The UK also enters into a number of other routine agreements with the Nordic countries. These include for example memoranda of understanding governing the relationships between our troops where they serve together overseas.
	A note on bilateral agreements over the last 30 years has been placed in the Library of the House.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Norway.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Norway. Other Ministers have visited in recent months and the next scheduled visit is by my hon. Friend the Fisheries Minister (Mr. Bradshaw) on 89 November. The Foreign Secretary and I have had several contacts with our Norwegian counterparts in various international fora during the past year. The British ambassador in Norway is also in regular contact with the Foreign Minister and other Norwegian Ministers. We look forward to welcoming Foreign Minister Petersen to London before the end of the year.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Norwegian counterpart during the past year.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have had several contacts with our Norwegian counterparts in various international fora during the past year. The British ambassador in Norway is also in regular contact with the Foreign Minister and other Norwegian Ministers. Other Ministers have also visited in recent months.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to launch bi-lateral agreements with Nordic countries.

Denis MacShane: The United Kingdom is currently negotiating a bilateral Framework Treaty on Oil and Gas with Norway. The UK also enters into a number of other routine agreements with the Nordic countries. These include for example Memoranda of understanding governing the relationships between our troops where they serve together overseas.
	The United Kingdom is in ongoing and regular contact with all five Nordic countries at all levels and on a wide range of issues. Our embassies, in close liaison with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other Government Departments, are the front line for day-to-day contact.

Official Visits

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are for official visits to the UK by the Government of (a) Iceland, (b) Norway and (c) Denmark.

Denis MacShane: We are currently exploring opportunities for official visits to the United Kingdom by the new Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iceland. The Norwegian Ministers for local government and modernisation visited the UK on 1415 October, and others, including the Foreign Minister, will be visiting later in the year. The Danish Defence Minister will visit the UK on 1921 October.

Pakistan

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the average waiting time between an application to the High Commission Islamabad for leave to settle in the United Kingdom as the wife of a British citizen and the date of interview was in the last period for which figures are available.

Chris Mullin: Our High Commission in Islamabad have statistics available for the quarterly period June-August 2004. These show that the average waiting time from application to date of interview was 13 weeks.

Ports Access

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action (a) the Government and (b) the EU may take against non-EU countries who refuse access to their ports by the commercial fleet of an EU member state; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: This is a matter for the EU member state whose commercial fleet is refused access. The course of action is then dependent upon the circumstances and reasons for refusal of access to the ports in question.

Russia (G8 Presidency)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he plans with the Russian presidency in advance of the UK's presidency of the G8.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the UK and Russian G8 presidencies with the Russian Foreign Minister, Mr. Lavrov, in Moscow in July. The Ministers asked their officials to carry forward co-ordination work for the two presidencies. Senior officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will visit Russia this week as part of this process. Furthermore, officials in particular areas, such as counter-terrorism, are in regular contact with their Russian counterparts on (i8 matters. The two Ministers plan to meet later this year to review progress. However, no date has yet been set.

Saudi Arabia

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Dr Ali-al Shamrani is still a diplomat accredited to the Saudi Arabian embassy in London; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Dr. Ali Al Shamrani is not now an accredited diplomat. He left the UK on 15 August 2003.

Saudi Arabia

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to the ambassador of Saudi Arabia about the soliciting of official information by a Saudi intelligence officer, from Mr. Ghazi Kassim; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office raised this case with the Saudi ambassador and asked that the diplomat in question should be withdrawn. It is not our policy to divulge the details of discussions with foreign ambassadors. I am withholding this information under Exemption l(b) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Security Council (India)

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is with regard to a place for India on the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Government have long supported expansion of the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership. We have supported the candidacies of Germany, Japan, India and Brazil for permanent membership. We also believe that the Council should include a permanent member from Africa.
	Our commitment to work with India to achieve its place as a permanent member of the Council was recently reconfirmed in the Joint Declaration issued on 20 September following the meeting of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Indian Prime Minister.

Turkey

Mohammad Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of Turkey with regard to future membership of the European Union.

Denis MacShane: The European Commission's recommendation of 6 October 2004 concluded that
	Turkey sufficiently fulfils the political criteria and recommends that accession negotiations be opened.
	The UK strongly supports Turkey's EU accession and welcomes the Commission's recommendation. A decision on this will be taken by the European Council on 17 December.

Zimbabwe

Patrick Cormack: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the President of Zimbabwe; what matters were discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Mullin: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was introduced to Robert Mugabe at a reception during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 22 September. There was no discussion between them.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Correspondence

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Minister of State for Work will reply to the letter dated 6 July from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding maximum working temperatures.

Jane Kennedy: I replied to the hon. Member on 21 July. I am sending a further copy of my letter to him.

Departmental Vehicles

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many road vehicles are operated by the Department and its agencies; how many personal injury accidents involving road vehicles operated by the Department have occurred within each of the last five years; and what the Department's policy is for managing work-related road safety.

Maria Eagle: DWP currently operates 2,670 road vehicles.
	The information in the table has been provided by the Department's External Accident Management companies who are contracted to DWP to maintain Accident Management Services.
	DWP was formed in June 2001 from the former Department of Social Security (DSS) and parts of the former Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) including the Employment Service (ES). The DWP vehicle fleet was formed on 1 April 2002 from the former DSS and ES fleets.
	
		Personal injury accidents involving vehicles operated by the former DSS, former ES, and from April 2002, DWP
		
			 April to March Former DSS Former ES Total 
		
		
			 19992000 59 3 62 
			 200001 29 6 35 
			 200102 11 3 14 
			   
			 DWP  
			 200203 52 
			 200304 57 
		
	
	The Department's procedures for managing work-related road safety will be reviewed in the light of the recent publication from the Health and Safety Executive on managing work-related road safety.

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how the revision of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will affect businesses.

Maria Eagle: On 1 October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 came into force. These regulations extended the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to cover employers with fewer than 15 employees and all previously excluded occupations except the armed forces. They brought into the scope of the employment provisions an additional 1 million employers who are now under duties not to discriminate against, and to make reasonable adjustments for, disabled employees and disabled job applicants. These duties are not anticipatory, and an employer is not required to make adjustments until he has a disabled employee or job applicant.
	The regulations also introduced a range of new provisions which have implications for employers in relation to the recruitment and employment of disabled people. They:
	make clear that harassment for a reason relating to disability is unlawful;
	ensure that treatment which constitutes direct discrimination against a disabled person, for example where it is motivated by prejudice, can never be justified;
	outlaw discriminatory job advertisements;
	bring practical work experience placements in the context of vocational training within scope of the DDA;
	extend the DDA's protection to claims by former employees about discrimination where the discrimination has arisen directly out of, and is closely connected to, the former employment; and
	ensure that instructions and pressure to discriminate, are unlawful.
	Also on 1 October 2004, the final access duties for providers of services to the public were introduced. These further open up services to around 10 million disabled people in this country. The new duties require service providers to take reasonable steps to tackle physical features of their premises which otherwise make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to access the service; or to provide the service by another reasonable means. The duties for service providers are anticipatory.
	The DDA requires employers and service providers only to make adjustments that are reasonable and factors such as the cost and practicability of making adjustments, and the financial and other resources available to the business or organisation, will be taken into account in determining what is reasonable.

Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2004, Official Report, column 741W, on employers' liability compulsory insurance, what progress the Health and Safety Executive has made with the final validation of a Health and Safety Management Index for (a) large and (b) small businesses.

Jane Kennedy: Validation of the health and safety performance index for large organisations is due to be completed in November 2004. The Health and Safety Commission and Executive (HSC/E) will consider the findings and, subject to their approval, arrangements will be put in place for publication of the index early in 2005.
	Validation of the index for small businesses has been completed. It is currently being converted to an electronic format. The index, which has been developed in association with DWP, the DTI and insurance and small business stakeholders, once approved by HSC/E will be made available through DTI's Business Link website, in November of this year.

Information and Communication Specialists

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many information and communication technology specialists are in full-time employment in the Department.

Jane Kennedy: The Department employed 412 full-time permanent information and communications technology specialists as at 30 September 2004. In addition, as at 30 September 2004, the Department employed 1,390 full-time permanent staff who support and enable the work of the IS/IT specialists utilising a wide range of related skills that are necessary to deliver effective information systems.

New Deal

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Taunton have found long-term employment of more than six months through the New Deal.

Jane Kennedy: Information is not available on employment lasting longer than six months through the New Deal.
	A New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25-plus job is defined as sustained if no new claim for jobseeker's allowance is made within 13 weeks of starting work. A measure of sustainability is not available for New Deal for Lone Parents and New Deal 50-plus. The available information is in the table.
	
		New Deal in Taunton
		
			 Programme Individuals into jobs Of which sustained jobs 
		
		
			 New Deal for Young People(6) 590 490 
			 New Deal 25-plus(7) 270 200 
			 New Deal for Lone Parents(8) 390  
			 New Deal 50-plus(9) 180  
		
	
	(6) Data is from the national launch in January 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	(7) Data is from the national launch in April 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	(8) Data is from the national launch in October 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	(9) Data is from the national launch in April 2000 to the end of March 2003 and represents the number of people taking up the New Deal 50-plus Employment Credit.
	Note:
	1. Information is not available at constituency level for New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Partners.
	2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

New Deal

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many 18 to 24-year-olds have (a) enrolled on and (b) found work through the New Deal in (i) Yorkshire and the Humber and (ii) City of York since 1997.

Jane Kennedy: The information is in the table.
	
		New Deal for Young People
		
			  Yorkshire and the Humber City of York 
		
		
			 Number of individuals starting  the programme 96,470 1,730 
			 Number of individuals into jobs 58,800 800 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Data is from the national launch of New Deal for Young People in January 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

New Deal

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) City of York have found work through the New Deal for (i) lone parents, (ii) disabled people and (iii) people aged over 24 years.

Jane Kennedy: The available information is in the tables.
	
		New Deal in Yorkshire and Humber
		
			  Number of individuals into jobs 
		
		
			 New Deal for Lone Parents(10) 29,870 
			 New Deal for Disabled People(11) 2,110 
			 New Deal 25-plus(12) 21,200 
		
	
	
		New Deal in the City of York
		
			  Number of individuals into jobs 
		
		
			 New Deal for Lone Parents(10) 540 
			 New Deal for Disabled People(13)  
			 New Deal 25-plus(12) 360 
		
	
	(10) Data is from national launch in October 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	(11) Data is from national launch in July 2001 to the end of June 2004.
	(12) Data is from national launch in April 1998 to the end of June 2004.
	(13) Information is not available for New Deal for Disabled People at constituency level.
	Note:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

Nuclear Installations Inspectorate

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the impact of the work to rule of health and safety inspector members of the Prospect trade union on the efficiency of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

Jane Kennedy: The work to rule by health and safety inspectors has had no effect on the efficiency of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII). Although the work to rule continues to cause some internal management difficulties and has reduced the level of some activities, I am assured by the Health and Safety Executive that there has been no impact on health and safety standards. Senior managers in the NII are re-prioritising work to ensure inspectors focus on significant safety issues with less urgent work being postponed. I understand that this prioritisation is working very effectively, but I have asked the Chief Inspector to keep me informed if he believes NII's ability to provide the nuclear safety assurance we all require is being put at risk.

Over 75s

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals over state pension age are aged over 75.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 14 October 2004
	I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many individuals over state pension age are aged over 75. (190643)
	Pensionable age is currently 65 years and over for males and 60 years and over for females.
	In mid-2003 there were an estimated 9,785,600 people over state pension age in England and Wales, of whom 4,034,000 or 41.2% were aged 75 and over.

Pension Credit

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost of automatic eligibility for pension credit to those pensioners aged (a) over 85, (b) 80 to 85, (c) 75 to 79 and (d) 70 to 75; and how many (i) male and (ii) female headed households in each age group would benefit from such a policy.

Chris Pond: Assuming that a way could be found to assess entitlement to pension credit automatically on the basis of current rules, the cost for all eligible pensioners over 70 would be around 650 million a year. Such information as is available on age and gender breakdown is in the table.
	
		
			 Age band Cost ( million) Male headed households Female headed households 
		
		
			 7075 100 150,000 50,000 
			 7579 200 150,000 100,000 
			 80+ 350 200,000 250,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are based on the estimated number of eligible pensioners in 200405.
	2. Expenditure rounded to nearest 50 million and numbers of households rounded to nearest 50,000.
	3. Estimates of the entitled population are subject to large margins of error, particularly when broken down by age, so estimates should be seen only as broad indications of the likely costs.

Telephone Inquiries

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether telephone inquiries relating to the direct payment of benefits and pensions are handled by staff other than those employed by his Department.

Chris Pond: holding answer 14 October 2004
	Following open competition the Department has a contract in place with ATOS Origin to send mailings to customers and handle telephone responses on our behalf through a dedicated customer conversion centre. It is normal business practice for the Department to manage this sort of large scale but temporary operation in this way.
	The customer conversion centre staff are fully trained, and all telephone calls are monitored to ensure that customers are presented with sufficient information to enable them to make an informed choice. Continual monitoring and evaluation throughout the conversion process has resulted in a number of improvements to staff training, scripts, letters and forms that customers are asked to complete.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Crime Statistics

Eric Illsley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve the circulation and dissemination of crime statistics.

Hazel Blears: The steps being taken to improve the circulation and dissemination of crime statistics are based on the Review of Crime Statistics which was undertaken in 2000. Updated information on both the British crime survey, and police recorded crime, is now made available every three months. The latest information will be published this Thursday.

Fly-posting/Graffiti

Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken by his Department to tackle (a) fly-posting and (b) graffiti.

Fiona Mactaggart: Graffiti and fly-posting are serious issues and make areas look run-down and uncared for. This can often lead to an increase in crime and the fear of crime.
	The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 which allows local authorities to serve Graffiti Removal Notices requiring owners to remove the graffiti within 28 days. If they do not comply, local authorities can clean up and charge the costs to the owners. These provisions are currently being piloted in 12 areas.
	The Act also provides a 50 Penalty Notice for Disorder for minor graffiti and fly-posting offences. Other action includes launching our Name That Tag scheme and the 100 Days Clean Ups which aim to tackle graffiti, fly posting and other enviro-crime issues.

British Crime Survey

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used to determine which crimes are included in the British crime survey; and who determines the criteria.

Hazel Blears: The British Crime Survey (BCS) includes all crimes experienced by adults aged 16 and over living in private households in England and Wales, with the following exceptions:
	Murder
	Corporate crime
	Fraud (although credit card fraud is covered separately)
	The crimes included in the overall BCS main crime count have not changed since it started in 1982, when the criteria were agreed by the Home Office.

Illegal Immigration (Bogus Colleges)

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to stop bogus colleges assisting illegal immigration.

Des Browne: On 22 April and 22 July we announced a raft of measures designed to tackle this problem as part of our wider review of managed migration.
	These measures include:
	a programme of visits by IND to educational establishments where we have doubts about their status;
	a new DfES registration scheme for all genuine institutions by the end of the year; and
	more Risk Assessment Units in our embassies abroad to improve the flow of intelligence about fraud or abuse.
	To date we have assessed 1,050 education institutions. Over 25 per cent. have been identified as bogus and a further 25 per cent. require a more detailed visit. Our initial investigations will be completed by December of this year.
	We are working closely with the English Language sector to move towards comprehensive accreditation of all private English Language schools taking overseas students.
	And we are also working with education sector representatives to agree procedures for notifying us of all overseas students who fail to attend courses.

Sex Offenders

Khalid Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that known sex offenders living in the community do not represent a threat to the public.

Paul Goggins: The Sexual Offences Act 2003 strengthened the requirements for sex offenders to notify their personal details to the police, and introduced new offences to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The Criminal Justice Act 2003 has extended the provisions made in every area of England and Wales for the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements, which help to manage the risks posed by sex offenders in the community.

Community Support Officers

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police community support officers he expects will be deployed in west Yorkshire by the end of this financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: There are, as of the end of August 2004 264 community support officers in West Yorkshire. The Home Office has already provided funding to enable the force to recruit a further 40 CSOs by 31 March 2005. In addition to this, I am currently considering proposals from forces, including West Yorkshire Police, for allocating the 50 million of new money for extra CSOs this year announced as part of Spending Review 2004. I will announce my decision shortly.
	The additional funding of 50 million announced in July for the first phase of the Neighbourhood Policing Fund will help ensure that we reach at least 5,500 CSOs in England and Wales by March 2005. There will be 25,000 CSOs and wardens by 2008.

Police Training

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the (a) accreditation of police training modules and (b) accreditation agencies.

Caroline Flint: We are driving forward the development of good quality, accredited programmes. The introduction last year of National Occupational Standards underpinned new major programmes and led to the development of a qualifications framework for the police service.
	Skills for Justice, the Sector Skills Council for the justice sector, is currently developing a quality framework for learning and development which will be available to the police sector.
	This will provide for the recognition of training, and for the endorsement of individual programmes. Details of the draft quality framework will be available for consultation in November, for introduction in April 2005.

Taking a Stand Awards

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of participation there has been in this year's Taking a Stand Awards.

Hazel Blears: Following on from the success of last year's Taking A Stand Awards, were we received 500 nominations, this year 500,000 posters were put up in Co-op shops, the BBC have promoted the Awards on local radio and there have been hundreds of pages of reports in local press.
	The closing date for nominations was 28 September 2004. As of 28 September 2004 we received 651 nominations.

Afghan Hijackers

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the total accommodation costs have been for the Afghan hijackers at Stansted Airport since 2000;
	(2)  what the total living costs have been for the Afghan hijackers at Stansted Airport since 2000;
	(3)  which authority is responsible for housing the Afghan hijackers from Stansted Airport.

Des Browne: The 77 Afghans who arrived on the hijacked aircraft at Stansted Airport in February 2000, including the hijackers and the other passengers, have claimed asylum and have been supported under Section 111 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. At present those who are still in the UK are housed in accommodation provided by the Refugee Arrivals Project, one of the six voluntary sector organisations grant funded by the National Asylum Support Service for the provision of advice and support services for asylum seekers. Reliable and available information relates to the cost of the contract for the accommodation service as a whole and not to individual asylum seekers.

Akhmad Zakaev

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether conditions relating to political activity are imposed on Akhmad Zakaev while residing in the United Kingdom.

Des Browne: I cannot comment on individual cases. Article 2 of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees sets out the behaviour expected of a person recognised as a refugee. Essentially, this is to comply with the law of the land and to conform to measures taken for the maintenance of public order. No further conditions are currently imposed on refugees.

Asylum Seekers

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on the return to Zimbabwe of asylum seekers from that country whose claims have been turned down.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend, the Member for Stretford and Urmston (Beverley Hughes) gave to the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) on 23 February 2004, Official Report, column 263W. The policy remains in place but as previously stated it is being kept under continuous review.

Asylum Seekers

Gwyn Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact recent changes in legislation have had on asylum applications.

Des Browne: Since October 2002 the Government have reduced asylum applications by 70 per cent. and the reduction in asylum intake was verified by the NAO.
	This reduction has been achieved through a range of measures such as moving our border controls to the continent, creating new and more effective asylum processes, and introducing new technology to detect clandestine entrants and to identifying visa holders, as well as making new legislation. We are continuing to build on our success with the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004.
	The Government's approach was supported by the two recent NAO reports, which stated that measures introduced by this Government have contributed to the reduction in asylum applications.

Asylum Seekers

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on recent Government action to provide services for asylum seekers in Peterborough.

Des Browne: The Government have recently invested just over 1.5 million in a 2.2 million programme of nine projects in Peterborough which seek to join statutory and voluntary agencies to provide more cost-effective services to the benefit of asylum seekers, refugees and the wider local community. The projects will not only realise considerable savings in the cost of delivering public services but will also improve integration and community cohesion in the city. The Home Office has also provided 20,000 for an Interactor Project in Peterborough for both asylum seekers and refugees. The project aims to raise awareness within refugee and asylum seeker communities of major health issues facing them and promoting awareness of services that exist to deal with them.

Asylum Seekers

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many failed asylum seekers receiving section 4 support have received a warning for failing to participate in activities for the benefit of the community;
	(2)  what kinds of activity for the benefit of the community failed asylum seekers receiving section 4 support are engaged in; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many failed asylum seekers receiving section 4 support are engaged in activities for the benefit of the community; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Section 10 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004 enables the Secretary of State to make regulations which require the provision of accommodation, or the continuation of the provision of accommodation, under section 4 to be conditional upon the performance of, or participation in, community activities. The provisions have not yet been brought into force. The regulations themselves, on which we will be consulting in due course, will be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.

Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall, North of 7 September 2004 regarding a constituent, reference PO10001/4.

Des Browne: holding answer 14 October 2004
	I replied to my hon. Friend on 12 October 2004.

Cyprus

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether citizens of Cyprus whose only passport or documentation is that issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are afforded full status within the UK as European Union citizens in relation to the free mobility of labour provisions of the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how the Home Office distinguishes between persons who are de jure citizens of Cyprus and non-EU Turkish citizens who reside in the occupied Northern Cyprus, for the purpose of permitting entry to the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Following the entry of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union on 1 May 2004, Cypriot nationals like all other EEA nationals may exercise free movement rights in the UK including the right to enter the UK on production of a valid passport or identity card. This right of movement includes the right of movement as a worker. To exercise these rights they must be in possession of a passport or identity card issued by the Republic of Cyprus.
	The EU acquis remains suspended in the north of Cyprus.
	Documentation that has been issued by the so called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would not be accepted as evidence that the individual has the right of free movement as an EEA national or for travel to the UK. The holder of a TRNC document would need to obtain a visa if coming to the UK and that visa would be endorsed on a declaration of identity issued to them by the British visa issuing post. The declaration of identity is valid for travel to the UK.
	Turkish Cypriots are EU citizens. They can apply for Republic of Cyprus passports and travel freely within the freedom to work on documentation in the same way as other Cypriot nationals. The suspension of the acquis in the north of Cyprus does not affect that right.

Entry Clearance

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the Government have (a) reimbursed the travel costs and (b) paid for the next visit of a traveller denied entry to the United Kingdom.

Des Browne: The information is as follows:
	(a) Since 1 April 2004 there has been only one instance of a passenger who was refused entry to the United Kingdom receiving reimbursement of their original travel costs.
	(b) None. Any reimbursement by the Immigration Service will only cover original travel costs together with other reasonable incidental expensesit will not extend to payment of the next visit.

Human Trafficking

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to press for a European Convention which improves international standards to protect the human rights of victims of trafficking; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: The United Kingdom supports the development and implementation of effective international instruments which provide protection and support for victims of trafficking alongside proactive measures to prevent and disrupt trafficking activities. The UK was one of the first countries to sign the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), which deals with trafficking in human beings and is fully committed to its implementation. We are participating fully in the development of the draft Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings, which has a clear victim focus and will build upon existing instruments.

Immigration

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people from EU accession countries arrived at UK (a) airports and (b) bus stations between 1 May and 1 August.

Stephen Timms: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Keith Vaz, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the number of people from the EU Accession Countries who have arrived in the UK at (a) airports and (b) bus stations between 1 May 2004 and 1 August 2004. (190791)
	Visits to the UK by overseas residents are estimated from data collected on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The survey is conducted at major airports, and on major sea and tunnel routes, and the data collected is weighted up to national passenger figures provided by CAA and BAA, Department for Transport, Eurotunnel and Eurostar.
	It is estimated that 399 thousand nationals from the EU Accession Countries arrived in the UK during the three months May to July 2004, of which 211 thousand arrived at airports. We are unable to provide estimates of the numbers arriving at bus stations as the IPS is not conducted at these. The IPS does collect information on the method of transport used when arriving in the country at sea ports or via the tunnel (for example coach, lorry, car, on foot), but the sample number of nationals from EU Accession Countries who arrived by each of these methods between 1 May and 1 August 2004 are too small to provide reliable estimates.
	More information on EU Accession Country nationals can be found on the National Statistics website at: http://www. statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=12222More=n
	The IPS is a continuous survey carried out throughout the year. Approximately 1 in 500 passengers passing through airports, seaports and the tunnel are sampled and both overseas residents and UK residents are interviewed. The survey measures the numbers of visits to the UK by overseas residents and overseas by UK residents and how much is spent on each of these visits. As it measures visits, any one person travelling a number of times will be counted each time they travel.

Managed Migration Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to improve the service provided by the Managed Migration Directorate.

Des Browne: Managed Migration Directorate's (MMD) Nationality Directorate is streamlining its document handling processes for completion by November 2004. New accommodation and additional staff have reduced the number of progress inquiries and the waiting times (from 11 months in April 2003 to seven and a half months currently). Also, the successful introduction of citizenship ceremonies has enhanced the significance of becoming British and contributed towards better community cohesion.
	MMD's General Group has an appointment system in its public inquiry offices which has reduced waiting times as a result of 50 per cent. of callers making advance appointments. General Group's secure handling processes have resulted in a greatly reduced risk of passports and documents going missing.
	The correspondence tracking system (CTS) implemented across the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) at the end of September is enabling all MPs' letters to IND (which includes MMD) to receive a speedier reply. Also, a programme of work launched in June within IND is improving its service to MPs by securing closer working relationships.
	MMD's work permits (UK) is recruiting more staff across all workstreams to ensure that priority work areas are adequately resourced. Also, an open dialogue with frequent users is being maintained to respond to customer needs, especially with regard to urgent cases.

Managed Migration Directorate

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the backlog of correspondence at the Managed Migration Directorate is.

Des Browne: My hon. Friend's question has been taken as relating to correspondence from MPs.
	In the week ending 30 June 2004, the Managed Migration Directorate had 233 MPs' letters awaiting drafting of a reply. In the quarter ending 30 June, the most recent quarter for which information is currently available, 62 per cent. of MPs' letters for Managed Migration were answered within the 20-day Public Service Agreement target.

Police

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about police paperwork; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Department receives representations on police paperwork from a wide range of people, including right hon. and hon. Members. We are working closely with key stakeholders to reduce bureaucracy in police stations, on the streets and in court.

Prisons

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to deal with (a) overcrowding and (b) poor conditions in prisons.

Paul Goggins: Providing modern and effective prisons is central to the Government's objective of reducing re-offending and protecting the public. The Government continue to investigate options to address overcrowding and increase capacity as part of their prison modernisation strategy. Building on this strategy the Home Secretary announced on 29 September that in 200506 we will begin a 100 million programme to create 1,300 new prison places. This is in addition to 2,400 new places already planned for development over the next 18 months. We are also tackling overcrowding by putting in place robust community sentences, which the courts can use instead of short-term imprisonment for non-dangerous, less serious offenders.

Stateless People

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds a stateless person can be removed from this country.

Des Browne: A stateless person who does not qualify for leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdomor is liable to removal because they are subject to deportation, illegal entry or administrative removal proceedingscan be removed, either through one of the United Nations' Conventions relating to stateless persons or by the acceptance of another country. A person who is stateless will be removable to a country or territory in which he has obtained a passport or other document of identity, from which he embarked for the United Kingdom, or to which there is reason to believe he will be admitted.

UK Entry Applications (Marriages)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the age limit for (a) sponsors and (b) applicants for entry to the UK from outside the EU for the purpose of marriage; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: We raised the age limit for sponsors from 16 to 18 years on 1 April 2003. This was because we felt that 18-year-olds would be better able to withstand pressure from their families to enter into a marriage against their wishes.
	We are currently considering whether or not to raise the age for marriage entry clearance to bring it in line with the sponsorship age.

HEALTH

Anaphylaxis Campaign

John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on (a) the case for the (i) application of more resources and training and (ii) formulation of a national action programme for allergy services advanced by the anaphylaxis campaign and (b) the solutions proposed by the Royal College of Physicians in 2003.

Stephen Ladyman: The national health service improvement programme, Putting People at the Heart of Public Services sets out the commitment that the NHS will build a responsive service tailored to the needs of people living with long-term conditions, including allergies. There are already a number of initiatives in place, which will improve outcomes and the quality of life of patients with long-term conditions. These include:
	The development of standards for better health
	The expert patient programme
	The chronic disease management programme
	Food Standards Agency work on food allergy
	The new general practitioner contract
	We welcomed the publication of the Royal College of Physicians' report and believe it is a useful contribution to the continuing debate on how to improve NHS allergy services. It is the role of primary care trusts, in partnership with local stakeholders, to decide service provision for their populations, including those with allergies, as they are best placed to understand local health care needs and commission services accordingly.

Ashford Hospital (Middlesex)

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the negotiations between his officials, the North Surrey Primary Care Trust, the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust and Capio on the establishment of a privately run treatment centre at Ashford Hospital (Middlesex).

John Hutton: Discussions between the national health service sponsors, the Department and Capio continue and, subject to a satisfactory outcome to those discussions, it is envisaged that heads of agreement will be signed shortly, with the expectation that contracts will be signed by the end of the year.

Bed Blocking (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of bed blocking in hospitals located in the Buckinghamshire Health Authority.

Rosie Winterton: According to latest figures (June 2004), there were 83 delayed transfers in the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area, which includes the old Buckinghamshire Health Authority area (2.2 per cent. of patients occupying an acute bed).

Blood Donation (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people gave blood in Buckinghamshire in each financial year since 200203.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally. However, figures provided by the National Blood Service are shown in the table.
	
		Blood donors and donations in Buckinghamshire
		
			 Financial year Number of donors(14) Donations collected 
		
		
			 200102 25,970 31,361 
			 200203 25,963 30,258 
			 200304 24,111 33,565 
		
	
	(14) Donor numbers taken at mid-year point.

Chiropody (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of chiropody services in Buckinghamshire.

Rosie Winterton: In line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, it is now for primary care trusts, (PCTs) in partnership with strategic health authorities (SHAs) and other local stakeholders to plan, develop and improve services for local people. We recognise that health services are better when management is devolved to the frontline. Within the framework set out in the NHS Plan and other policy documents, PCTs, with their specialised knowledge of the local community, are able to effectively manage and improve local services.
	Information about initial contacts (new episodes of care) and about first contacts (different persons receiving care) provided by trusts in Buckinghamshire is published in table 5 of NHS Chiropody Services, summary information for 200304, England, a copy of which is available in the Library and also at http:www.publications.doh.gov.uk/public/kt230304.

Chorley and South Ribble Hospital

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many medical beds there were at Chorley and South Ribble hospital in each of the last two years; and how many are planned for each of the next three years.

Stephen Ladyman: Information is gathered on a trust basis. The Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust was formed in 2002 from the merger of the Chorley and South Ribble National Health Service Trust and the Preston Acute NHS Trust.
	Data is shown in the table for the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for 200203 and 200304.
	Information is not available centrally on plans for bed levels.
	
		Average daily number of available beds, by sector, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 200203 to 200304
		
			  All specialties (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 200203 1,1561 1,073 929 144   84 45 
			 200304 1,172 1,085 950 135   87 46 
		
	
	Notes:
	Department of Health form KH03.

Dentistry (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS registered dentists there were in the Buckinghamshire health authority area in each year since 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The number of general and personal dental service dentists in the Buckinghamshire area by primary care trust (PCT) at 30 September in each year since 2002 is shown in the table.
	
		National health service: Number of dentists in the Buckinghamshire area by PCT, at 30 September 2002 to 2004
		
			 PCT 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Milton Keynes 100 107 104 
			 Vale of Aylesbury 79 81 82 
			 Chiltern and South Bucks 86 90 84 
			 Wycombe 77 78 82 
		
	
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board
	Dentists are counted in each PCT in which they practise.

Dentistry (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental practices in the Buckingham constituency (a) closed and (b) opened in each year since 2002.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of general dental and personal dental service practices which have closed or opened in the Buckinghamshire area, by primary care trust, is shown in the table. Dental practices are counted as closed if they were not open on 30 September, but were open on 30 September in the previous year. Dental practices are counted as opened if they were open on 30 September but were not open on the 30 September in the previous year.
	
		Number of general dental and personal dental service practices in the Buckinghamshire area by Primary Care Trust, which have closed or opened at 30 September each year 
		
			 PCT 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Dental practices closed   
			 Milton Keynes PCT  0 3 
			 Vale of Aylesbury PCT  0 2 
			 Chiltern and South Bucks PCT  0 2 
			 Wycombe PCT  0 0 
			   0 7 
			 Dental practices opened   
			 Milton Keynes PCT  3 1 
			 Vale of Aylesbury PCT  1 1 
			 Chiltern and South Bucks PCT  0 0 
			 Wycombe PCT  0 0 
			   4 2 
			 Buckinghamshire area:  Total number of dental practices 140 144 139 
		
	
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board.

Departmental Grants

Howard Stoate: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the grants available to (a) charities and (b) public sector organisations from his Department; and what the (i) criteria and (ii) eligibility factors are for each.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department's main funding stream to the voluntary and community sector is through grants awarded under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Services Act 1968 and through the Opportunities for Volunteering scheme.
	Applications for the section 64 general scheme are invited for innovative proposals of national significance that will complement statutory services and help secure and promote high quality health and social care in England. Organisations eligible to apply for section 64 grants must be registered charities or formally constituted not-for-profit organisations that meet the legal requirements of the 1968 Act; have an equal opportunities policy; work in England; and carry out activities of national significance.
	Applications for the Opportunities for Volunteering scheme are invited for projects that enable or encourage people to undertake voluntary work in the field of health or personal social services in England; that benefit the health and well-being of project users and/or volunteers and/or the local community; and that reflect the needs of a multi-cultural society in all aspects of the proposed activities. Organisations eligible to apply for grants must be registered charities or formally constituted not-for-profit organisations: have an equal opportunities policy; and carry out activities of local significance.

Derriford Hospital (Plymouth)

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether Derriford Hospital, Plymouth has maximum staffing levels for (a) doctors and (b) nurses;
	(2)  health what proportion of nurses at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth are agency nurses.

Rosie Winterton: It is the responsibility of individual trusts to determine appropriate staffing levels, based on the needs of their local populations. Staffing levels at Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust for the years 1997 and 2003 are shown in the table. As at March 2004, the trust had vacancy rates of 0 per cent. for nurses and 2.8 per cent. for consultants.
	The number of agency staff is not collected centrally.
	
		Hospital, public health medicine and community health services (HCHS): qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and medical and Dental staff within Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
		
			  Numbers (headcount) and increase 
			 As at 30 September 1997 2003 increase 1997 to 2003 
		
		
			 Medical and dental staff 434 641 207 
			 Nursing, midwifery and  health visiting staff 1,508 1,989 481 
		
	
	Sources:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census.
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census.

Devon NHS Partnership Trust

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been given to the Devon NHS Partnership Trust in identifying core and non-core services.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The Department has not issued any guidance specifically to the Devon National Health Service Partnership Trust in identifying core and non-core services. In line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, decisions about the services made available in local areas are prioritised and led by primary care trusts (PCTs). It is for PCTs, in conjunction with strategic health authorities, to plan and develop services according to the needs of their local communities.

Eye Health Services

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to raise awareness of (a) macular degeneration and (b) visual disease in general among (i) the public and (ii) health professionals.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 14 October 2004
	From 1 April 1999, we restored free sight tests under the national health service to those aged 60 and over and free sight tests continue to be available through the NHS to large parts of the population, including children, those aged 1618 in full-time education, people on benefits, those people at particular risk of developing eye disease and people who are registered blind and partially sighted or who have a complex spectacle prescription. Sight tests provide the ideal opportunity to review all aspects of eye health, including investigations for signs of disease. Those at risk of specific eye disease, for example, diabetic retinopathy, may be asked to attend regular screening.
	Information about the extensive arrangements for providing help with NHS optical services and other health costs are publicised in the widely available leaflet, HC11Are you entitled to help with health costs?
	The eye care services steering group was set up in December 2002 to develop proposals for the modernisation of NHS eye care services. The group has developed model care pathways for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, low vision and cataract. We have made available 4 million to fund eight pilot sites to test the new pathways. My right hon. friend, the Minister of State for Health (Mr. Mutton), launched the report of the group and the model pathways on 11 May 2004. A copy of the report was sent as commissioning guidance to all primary care trusts and NHS trusts.
	We have also invested an additional 73 million to deliver shorter waiting times for cataract patients so that no patient will wait more than three months by December 2004. In addition, the national service framework (NSF) for diabetes includes a target that by 2006, a minimum of 80 per cent. of people with diabetes are to be offered screening for the early detection and treatment, if needed, of diabetic retinopathy, rising to 100 per cent., coverage by the end of 2007. This includes investment of 27 million for the purchase of capital equipment to support the screening programme, including the purchase of digital cameras.
	The NSF for older people recognises visual impairment as a risk factor for falls. The importance of identifying those with sight problems who may require a full eye examination is highlighted within the single assessment process.

General Practitioners (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners there were in the Buckinghamshire Health Authority area in (a) 200203 and (b) 200304.

Rosie Winterton: The number of general practitioners in the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area, which includes the old Buckinghamshire Health Authority, area is shown in the table. 
	
		General medical practitioners (excluding registrars, retainers and locums)1 for Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority by primary care trust (PCT) -- Number (headcount)
		
			   2002 2003 June 2004 
		
		
			 Thames Valley  1,313 1,320 1,319 
			 Of which: 
			 Bracknell Forest PCT 5G2 53 53 51 
			 Cherwell Vale PCT 5DV 73 73 75 
			 Chiltern and South Bucks PCT 5G4 97 98 101 
			 Milton Keynes PCT 5CQ 123 121 124 
			 Newbury and Community PCT 5DK 59 59 60 
			 North East Oxfordshire PCT 5DT 41 45 44 
			 Oxford City PCT 5DW 124 125 117 
			 Reading PCT 5DL 132 132 124 
			 Slough PCT 5DM 64 63 67 
			 South East Oxfordshire PCT 5DX 55 56 56 
			 South West Oxfordshire PCT 5DY 116 121 119 
			 Vale of Aylesbury PCT 5DP 113 118 119 
			 Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead  PCT 5G3 91 89 94 
			 Wokingham PCT 5DN 88 86 87 
			 Wycombe PCT 5G5 84 81 81 
		
	
	(15) All practitioners (excluding retainers, registrars and locums) include general medical service (GMS) practitioners and personal medical service (PMS) practitioners.
	Note:
	Data as at 30 September 200203 and 30 June 2004.
	Source:
	Department of Health GMS and PMS statistics.

Epilepsy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase funding for healthcare for children suffering from epilepsy.

Stephen Ladyman: In England, primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for deciding which health services the local population requires and ensuring the provision of these services. It is for individual PCTs to decide the level of funding they allocate to services for children with epilepsy.

Medical Staff (Southend and Basildon)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time equivalent (a) doctors and consultants and (b) nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff there were at (i) Southend and (ii) Basildon hospitals in each year since 1996.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is collected by national health service trust. Figures for Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Southend Hospitals NHS Trust are shown in the table.
	
		All doctors, consultants and nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff within Essex strategic health authority (SHA) and selected organisations -- Whole-time equivalents (WTEs)
		
			  September June 
			  1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 All Doctors(16)  
			 Essex SHA total 1,979 2,115 2,143 2,202 2,160 2,162 2,318 2,395 (17) 
			 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust 188 203 209 216 199 224 237 251 (17) 
			 Southend Healthcare NHS Trust 228 251 262 267 219 270 279 305 (17) 
			   
			 Consultants  
			 Essex SHA total 412 453 463 471 484 499 559 582 632 
			 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust 63 64 65 60 57 75 89 93 101 
			 Southend Hospital NHS Trust 80 89 87 90 99 95 104 111 116 
			   
			 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff  
			 Essex SHA total 5,828 6,010 5,937 6,018 6,096 6,326 6,767 6,858 (17) 
			 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust 655 678 610 626 599 646 831 834 (17) 
			 Southend Hospital NHS Trust 701 711 711 751 824 793 887 931 (17) 
		
	
	(16) Figures calculated using hospital and community health services (HCHS) medical and dental data and general practitioners data.
	(17) Denotes not available. This is due to data being taken from the medical and dental mini census which collected consultants only.
	Notes:
	1. General practitioners include general medical service (GMS) practitioners (excluding retainers), personal medical service (PMS) practitioners and GPs.
	2. Registrars WTE data has been estimated using the results from the 199293 general medical practitioner workload survey; full time equals 1.00 wte; three quarter time equals 0.69 wte; job share equals 0.65 wte; half time equals 0.60 wte.
	3. Figures are rounded to the nearest whole-number.
	Sources:
	Department of Health general and personal medical services statistics, data as at 30 September 200003 and 1 October previous years.
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census, data as at 30 September each year, except 2004 which is at 30 June.
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census, data as at 30 September each year.

Mental Health

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of online self-management treatments for (a) depression and (b) other mental health problems.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has made no assessment of online self-management treatments for depression or other mental health problems.

Mental Health

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time equivalent (a) psychiatrists and (b) community psychiatric nurses are employed in each of the primary care trust areas in Devon.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not collected by primary care trust area, but instead by strategic health authority (SHA) area. The table shows the latest data available for the South West Peninsula SHA by organisation.
	
		Hospital, public health medicine and community health services (HCHS): Qualified community psychiatric nurses and consultants within the psychiatry group by organisation within South West Peninsula SHA: As at 30 September 2003
		
			   Whole-time equivalents 
			   Consultants Qualified nurses 
		
		
			 South West Peninsula Q21 80 509 
			 Of which:
			 Cornwall Health Care National Health  Service Trust RJ8 27 209 
			 Mid Devon PCT 5FV (18) 3 
			 North and East Devon Partnerships  NHS Trust RWV 37 189 
			 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust RK9 3 1 
			 Plymouth PCT 5F1 11 107 
			 South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust RA9 2 (18) 
		
	
	Note:
	(18) Denotes zero
	Sources:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census.
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census

MRI Scanners (Southend Hospital)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of MRI scanners for Southend hospital.

Stephen Ladyman: Southend Healthcare National Health Service Trust currently provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning service using a machine installed in 1996. The Department has committed capital funding for two new MRI scanners at the trust. One of these will replace the existing machine and be installed later this year. The second scanner is to be installed next year and is expected to increase MRI scanning capability at the trust. The Department is promising 350,000 towards installation costs of both machines.

Multiple Sclerosis (Aimspro)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of the trials of the drug Aimspro for the treatment of MS; what side effects have been discovered; what benefits have been found for MS sufferers; and when he expects that this drug may be generally available.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government are committed to ensuring that all new treatments, including medicines, are introduced into the national health service as quickly as possible where they represent a genuine therapeutic advance and are cost effective.
	However, as with other medicinal products, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will only grant a licence once appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy have been met. The applicant would need to submit results of clinical trails in the population for which the company is seeking a licence, showing that the benefits outweigh any risk, as well as being able to demonstrate that they are able to consistently manufacture the medicinal product to appropriate standards. To date, only very limited data are available on Aimspro and no licence has been granted.

NHS Trusts (Staff)

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent by national health service trusts in England on external contract staffing and consultancy in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The table shows expenditure by National Health Service trusts on total external contract staffing and consultancy services. We are unable to separately identify just consultancy services.
	
		
			  NHS trust expenditure () 
		
		
			 199697 107,151,978 
			 199798 110,721,581 
			 199899 93,071,801 
			 19992000 93,304,298 
			 200001 105,853,073 
			 200102 125,947,596 
			 200203 149,437,568 
		
	
	200203 are the latest figures available.

Nurses (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many nursing vacancies there are in the Buckinghamshire Health Authority area;
	(2)  how many nurses are employed in each of the hospitals located in Buckinghamshire Health Authority.

Rosie Winterton: The number of nursing vacancies and the number of nurses employed in the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area, which includes the old Buckinghamshire Health Authority are shown in the table.
	
		Department of Health vacancies survey, March 2004NHS three month vacancies in England by specified Government office region, strategic health authority area and organisation, for qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staffthree month vacancy rates, numbers and staff in post
		
			   All qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff 
			   March 2004 September 2003 
			   Three month vacancy rate (percentage) Three month vacancy (number) Staff in post (whole-time equivalent) Staff in post (headcount) 
		
		
			 England  2.6 7,508 291,925 364,692 
			 Of which:  
			 South East Government office region  3.5 1,368 40,283 53,100 
			 Of which:  
			 Q16 Thames Valley SHA  2.9 295 10,621 13,975 
			   
			 Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust RWX 4.5 21 522 575 
			 Bracknell Forest PCT 5G2 10.9 7 56 87 
			 Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Trust RWT 4.5 14 291 325 
			 Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust RXQ 0.4 5 1,231 1,766 
			 Cherwell Vale PCT 5DV 2.3 2 82 120 
			 Chiltern and South Bucks PCT 5G4 0.0  142 228 
			 Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust RD7 4.1 39 978 1,247 
			 Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust RD8 0.0  642 824 
			 Milton Keynes PCT 5CQ 6.0 19 308 380 
			 Newbury and Community PCT 5DK 3.5 4 121 184 
			 North East Oxfordshire PCT 5DT 0.5 0 48 77 
			 Nuffield Orthopaedic NHS Trust RBF 1.6 4 233 294 
			 Oxford City PCT 5DW 2.3 4 162 277 
			 Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust RTH 1.8 43 2,797 3,713 
			 Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust RNY 
			 Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust RHX 1.4 1 77 85 
			 Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust RNU 17.3 90 434 506 
			 Reading PCT 5DL 7.6 14 190 288 
			 Royal Berkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust RH1 
			 Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust RHW 0.5 6 1,239 1,498 
			 Slough PCT 5DM 1.8 3 154 195 
			 South East Oxfordshire PCT 5DX 0.0  95 132 
			 South West Oxfordshire PCT 5DY 2.1 4 199 275 
			 Thames Valley SHA Q16 (19)
			 Two Shires Ambulance NHS Trust RHY 0.0  51 67 
			 Vale Of Aylesbury PCT 5DP 3.3 6 227 320 
			 Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead PCT 5G3 3.3 4 134 200 
			 Wokingham PCT 5DN 1.2 1 108 162 
			 Wycombe PCT 5G5 2.0 2 99 150 
		
	
	(19) Figures where sum of staff in post (as at 30 March 2004) and vacancies is less than 10.
	Notes:
	1. Three month vacancy information is as at 31 March 2003.
	2. Three month vacancies are vacancies which trusts are actively trying to fill, which had lasted for three months or more (whole time equivalents.)
	3. Three month vacancy rates are three month vacancies expressed as a percentage of three month vacancies plus staff in post.
	4. Three month vacancy rates for non-medical staff are calculated using staff in post from the vacancy survey, March 2003.
	5. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place.
	6. '' = zero.
	7. Staff in post data is from the non-medical workforce census, September 2002.
	8. Vacancy and staff in post numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number.
	9. Calculating the vacancy rates using the above data may not equal the actual vacancy rates.
	10. Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of component parts
	Sources:
	Department of Health vacancies survey, March 2003.
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census, September 2002.

PFI Health Contracts

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual revenue liabilities are of all private finance initiative health contracts.

John Hutton: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Pharmacies

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will amend the relevant legislation to place registered pharmacies in the absence of the pharmacist on the same basis as other retail outlets in relation to the sale of General Sales List items.

Rosie Winterton: A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS, published in July 2003, said that we would consult on possible changes to legislation regarding the arrangements for the dispensing and sale of medicines. That remains our intention.

Pharmacies

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many community pharmacies in the Buckingham constituency (a) closed and (b) opened in each year since 200102.

Rosie Winterton: Information about the number of community pharmacies by constituency is not collected. The tables show the number of community pharmacies opening and closing in 200102 and 200203 in Buckinghamshire Health Authority (HA) and the four primary care trusts (PCTs) covering the old Buckinghamshire HA.
	
		
			  200102 
			 HA Open Closed 
		
		
			 Buckinghamshire 2 2 
			 Total 2 2 
		
	
	
		
			  200203 
			 PCT Open Closed 
		
		
			 Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire 1 0 
			 Wycombe 0 0 
			 Vale of Aylesbury 2 1 
			 Milton Keynes 0 0 
			 Total 3 1

Primary Care Trusts (Essex)

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the merger of two or more primary care trusts in Essex; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The Essex Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has responsibility for strategic planning of primary care trusts (PCTs) in Essex. All PCTs in Essex are currently reviewing a number of functions with the aim of maximising resources through joint arrangements. This work is ongoing and will form the basis of any future plans.

Waiting Lists/Times (Buckinghamshire)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in the Buckinghamshire health authority area referred urgently with suspected breast cancer waited for more than two weeks for an out-patient appointment in each reporting period since January 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The number of patients in the Buckinghamshire area referred urgently with suspected breast cancer who waited for more than two weeks for an out-patient appointment since 2002 is shown in the table.
	
		Waiting times for patients urgently referred by their general practitioner with suspected breast cancer
		
			  Quarter National Health Service Trust Patients waiting over two weeks Percentage waiting over two weeks 
		
		
			 200102 4 Milton Keynes General 1 1.2 
			   South Buckinghamshire 0 0.0 
			   Stoke Mandeville Hospital 0 0.0 
			  
			 200203 1 Milton Keynes General 6 6.5 
			   South Buckinghamshire 5 4.9 
			   Stoke Mandeville Hospital 0 0.0 
			 200203 2 Milton Keynes General 3 3.8 
			   South Buckinghamshire 0 0.0 
			   Stoke Mandeville Hospital 0 0.0 
			 200203 3 Milton Keynes General 3 3.2 
			   South Buckinghamshire 0 0.0 
			   Stoke Mandeville Hospital 0 0.0 
			 200203 4 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   South Buckinghamshire 2 1.6 
			   Stoke Mandeville Hospital 0 0.0 
			  
			 200304 1 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   Buckinghamshire Hospital 1 0.4 
			 200304 2 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   Buckinghamshire Hospital 2 0.8 
			 200304 3 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   Buckinghamshire Hospital 0 0.0 
			 200304 4 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   Buckinghamshire Hospital 0 0.0 
			  
			 200405 1 Milton Keynes General 0 0.0 
			   Buckinghamshire Hospital 4 1.4 
		
	
	Sources:
	Department of Health forms QMCW and CWTDB.

CABINET OFFICE

Departmental Responsibilities

Julian Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 11 October 2004, Official Report, column 59W, on departmental responsibilities, 
	(1)  if she will provide the page references in the departmental report, autumn performance report and the annual report and resource accounts where the substantive information requested is contained;
	(2)  if she will list the paragraphs of the public service agreements which set out additions to the functions for the Cabinet Office for (a) 200405 and (b) 200304.

Ruth Kelly: The internal performance monitoring and reporting arrangements in the Cabinet Office provide regular assessments of performance across the range of Cabinet Office activity and provide assurance that processes are in place to keep the Department on track against its key objectives. We fulfil our external reporting obligations through the annual publications, which are placed in the Library.
	Section 2 of the 2004 Departmental Report (Cm 6226) describes how the work of management units within the Cabinet Office contributes to the achievement of our objectives. Departmental Reports since 2001 (Cm 5926, Cm 5429) have contained accounts of the work of these units.
	The public service agreement provides the context for all Cabinet Office functions. No major additional functions have been added since the end of 200304.

Document Thefts

Christopher Chope: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the employment status is of the secretary in her Office recently arrested on suspicion of the theft of documents; and if she will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The person in question was provided to the Cabinet Office by an agency, which provides temporary staff to the Cabinet Office. Following the incident her assignment was terminated.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Crown Court

David Davis: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average length of Crown court trials was in each year since 1995.

Christopher Leslie: The average length of Crown court trials for each year since 1995 is presented in the following table.
	
		England and Wales average hearing times
		
			  Not Guilty pleas Guilty pleas 
			  Total cases Average time (hours) Total cases Average time (hours) 
		
		
			 1995 28,256 8.6 49,893 1.0 
			 1996 25,686 9.8 48,634 1.0 
			 1997 26,695 9.8 53,472 0.9 
			 1998 27,167 9.4 41,872 1.1 
			 1999 26,541 9.8 37,883 1.1 
			 2000 26,637 9.5 37,022 0.9 
			 2001 28,453 9.4 36,655 1.0 
			 2002 30,312 9.7 40,187 1.2 
			 2003 30,587 9.6 41,855 1.2 
		
	
	Note:
	Hearing times exclude luncheon adjournments.

1911 Census Information

Adam Price: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many requests his Department has received from individuals in Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr who are over the age of 93 years who do not want family historians to know their personal details as stated in the 1911 census forms.

Christopher Leslie: The National Archives has not received any requests of this kind from individuals in Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr who are over the age of 93 years.

Correspondence

Paul Keetch: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the Land Registrar at HM Land Registry will send a full reply to the letter of 12 August from the hon. Member for Hereford; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: Following the interim letters sent on 7 and 17 September 2004, Land Registry sent a full reply to the hon. Member for Hereford on 14 October. The Land Registrar, on behalf of the Department, has apologised to the hon. Member for the delay that occurred in sending the full reply.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to his answer of 11 October to Question 190101, what Commissioner Bolkestein's view was on whether the Data Protection Act 1988 was consistent with the European Data Protection Directive.

Christopher Leslie: Commissioner Bolkestein's letter identifies a number of areas where the European Commission has concerns about the way in which the UK data protection regime gives effect to the European Directive on Data Protection. The Government are considering the points made, and will be replying in due course.

Departmental Spending

Alan Duncan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the total cost of refurbishment to the fabric of buildings owned by his Department has been since 1997.

Christopher Leslie: A total of 81.2 million has been spent since 1997 on refurbishment (including the cost of major maintenance projects) to buildings owned by the Department.

District Judges

Julian Brazier: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many district judges sitting in a county court are presiding over appeals against High Court orders.

Christopher Leslie: District judges sitting in the county court do not have jurisdiction to preside over appeals against High Court orders. Appeals will be determined by the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).

Effective Enforcement

Ross Cranston: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps he is taking to implement the White Paper Effective Enforcement; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: The reforms proposed in the Effective Enforcement White Paper will require legislation. The Government will introduce legislation when parliamentary time allows.

Estate Executors

David Drew: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what progress has been made in the review of beneficiaries of an estate being appointed as sole executors.

David Lammy: My Department has not undertaken a review of beneficiaries of an estate being appointed as sole executors, nor does it plan to do so. The current law relating to the powers of sole executors who are also beneficiaries under the will, is clear and appears to be working well. Executors are under a statutory duty to administer the deceased's estate according to law, and under a statutory duty of care to exercise reasonable care and skill in administering the estate. A beneficiary may seek legal redress should an executor breach any such duty. In addition, measures exist which allow beneficiaries under a will to check that a sole executor is administering the estate properly. When the grant of probate is made to the executor, the will becomes a public document and is available for inspection by anyone at the Principal Registry in London, or the relevant District Probate Registry. Any person interested in the deceased's estate may also apply to the court for an order requiring the executor to produce a full inventory of the estate as well as an account of the administration of the estate.

Possession Orders

David Drew: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average time was in each of the last three years for landlords to get repossession of property through the use of (a) a possession order and (b) an accelerated possession order.

David Lammy: The information required to answer this question is not separately recorded and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost to the Department.

Possession Orders

David Drew: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs in what percentage of cases in 2003 a possession order was granted (a) with and (b) without a hearing following the issue of a notice for an accelerated possession order under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988; and what the average time is that a landlord had to wait for possession if a hearing has been granted.

David Lammy: The number of orders made under accelerated possession proceedings during 2003 was 6660. Separate information about proceedings under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 is not maintained. Information about waiting times and about possession orders made after a hearing would not be available without incurring disproportionate costs to the department.

Possession Orders

David Drew: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether a judge is obliged to make a possession order after the issue of a notice under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 citing non-payment of rent for greater than eight weeks; and how often this resulted in the landlord gaining early possession in each of the last three years.

Keith Hill: I have been asked to reply.
	These provisions apply to assured tenancies in the social and private rented sector. The court must make an order for possession where a notice is correctly served under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, provided the requirements laid down by legislation are met, i.e., the proceedings for possession should have been brought within the time limit specified in the notice; nothing in the terms of the assured tenancy prevents it from being brought to an end on ground 8 of Part 1 of Schedule 2; and, both at the date of the service of notice under section 8 relating to the proceedings for possession and at the date of the hearing, rent which is payable weekly or fortnightly, has been unpaid for at least eight weeks.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minster does not collect data on cases where possession has been gained on these grounds. The Department of Constitutional Affairs collects figures relating to the number of possession orders issued each year, broken down by social landlords and private landlords, but the number of actual possessions will be much less than these. Moreover the figures for social landlords do not distinguish between local authorities and housing associations and the reasons for these are not recorded.
	The number of possession orders made, for each of the last three years, by social landlords and private landlords (i.e. all landlords except local authorities and housing associations) are:
	
		
			  Social landlords Private landlords 
		
		
			 2001 28,543 7,928 
			 2002 28,218 7,974 
			 2003 27,355 8,176

Refurbishment Costs

Alan Duncan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what costs were incurred by the Department and its predecessors in refurbishing the departmental estate in each financial year since 199697.

Christopher Leslie: pursuant to the reply, 29 June 2004, Official Report, c. 183W
	The table previously submitted with the answer included erroneous information. The table below provides corrected information on the Department for Constitutional Affairs' departmental estate only:
	
		
			  Financial year Cost of refurbishment and maintenance ( million) 
		
		
			 199697 24.8 
			 199798 25.5 
			 199899 16.8 
			 19992000 14.8 
			 200001 14.2 
			 200102 18.8 
			 200203 19.1 
			 200304 26.5

Small Claims (Court Fees)

Vera Baird: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs who is consulted prior to increases in court fees in the small claims track.

Christopher Leslie: Section 92(5) of the Courts Act 2003 states that before making an order the Lord Chancellor must consult with the:
	Lord Chief Justice
	Master of the Rolls
	President of the Family Division
	Vice Chancellor, The Head of Civil Justice
	Deputy Heads of Judiciary, Civil Justice Council (in relation to civil proceedings)
	My Department will also consult with the newly created Family Justice Council. Section 92(7) of the Act also states that 'the Lord Chancellor must take steps as are reasonably practicable to bring information about fees to the attention of persons likely to have to pay them'.
	In addition to the Act it has always been my Department's policy to consult when making any changes to court fees. A copy of the consultation paper, setting out the reasons for changes in court fees, is posted on my Department's website on the same day that a press notice is issued announcing the start of the consultation process. Hard copies are also sent out to any one who has expressed an interest as well as key advisory agencies and bodies, legal representatives and judiciary.

Small Claims (Court Fees)

Vera Baird: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what fees are charged to winning parties for recovering moneys adjudged due by the small claims track but unpaid.

Christopher Leslie: Where a successful party (the claimant), decides to enforce non-payment of money due from the losing party (the defendant), the claimant will instruct the court on the form of enforcement they wish to pursue. This is based on their knowledge of the assets of the individual. There are several types of enforcement, the main ones being a warrant of execution, a charging order against property or land, an attachment of earnings order. The process most commonly used is a warrant of execution.
	These types of enforcement attract a fee as follows:
	A warrant of executionwhere the amount for which the warrant issues is less that 125the fee is 30. Where the amount exceeds 125 the fee is 50.
	A charging order, the fee is 50.00
	To apply for an attachment of earnings order60.

Solicitors Firms

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many solicitor firms in England and Wales offered publicly funded (a) criminal and (b) civil legal advice, assistance and representation in 1994; and how many offered each service at the latest date for which figures are available.

David Lammy: My Department can provide figures for the number of solicitors' offices but not the figures for solicitors firms as many firms operate from more than one office.
	In 1994 publicly funded legal advice was not split by criminal and civil work. However, it is estimated that in 199394 there were 8,989 solicitors' offices receiving payment for civil advice and 6,555 offices receiving payment for criminal advice and representation in the magistrates courts. The total number of offices receiving payments were 11,271; and some offices practised in more than one area of legal aid. In total there were 4,975 offices, which accounted for 92 per cent. of all legal aid.
	As at 1 October 2004 a total of 4,417 offices held General Civil Contracts: 3,985 solicitors' offices and 432 Not for Profit agencies. A total of 2,582 offices were operating under Criminal Defence Service (CDS) contracts as at 1 October 2004. All suppliers with contracts must hold the Specialist Quality Mark, the Commission's major external quality assurance standard.

Unpaid Fines

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many fine enforcement staff were employed by (a) courts in England and Wales and (b) the private sector at the latest date available.

Christopher Leslie: The latest estimates are that there are approximately 1,900 magistrates courts staff working on criminal enforcement. Data on numbers of enforcement staff employed by the private sector is not available, although 14 of the 42 Magistrates' Courts Committees (MCCs) use Approved Enforcement Agencies (AEAs) to undertake some or all enforcement work.

Unpaid Fines

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the cost was of collecting each 1 of unpaid fines following the use of enforcement procedures at the latest date available.

Christopher Leslie: The report commissioned by the DCA's Criminal Enforcement Programme in 2003, Review of Magistrates Courts Enforcement Strategies, recorded the average cost of administration and enforcement of financial penalties (which include, but are not limited to, fines) as 19p per  collected.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Army Vehicles (Thefts)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the theft of equipment from army vehicles during violence on 12 July in Ardoyne, Belfast.

Ian Pearson: During the unrest in the Ardoyne on 12 July 2004, some items of military equipment were stolen. I condemn the actions of those responsible for the theft and would like to commend the restraint of the soldiers when under attack.

Care Homes

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many citizens of the Irish Republic are placed at care homes in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The information requested is not available.

Crime (Elderly People)

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by (a) each Government Department and (b) the Police Service of Northern Ireland to reduce the number of attacks on the elderly; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Murphy: There are three Government Departments, along with the Police Service of Northern Ireland that are currently taking action directly relevant to the safety of older people within Northern Ireland.
	The Office of the First Minister Deputy First Minister has, on 21 June 2004, launched a consultative document on Ageing in an Inclusive Society. Within a broad range of objectives, the safety of older people is highlighted, with a number of recommendations made to improve their personal security and address the fear of crime being experienced by them.
	The Northern Ireland Office, through its Community Safety Unit, has implemented a wide range of initiatives specifically to address crime and the fear of crime experienced by older people.
	Major programmes of work such as the Stay Safe Stay Secure Campaign will spend 2.58 million over the next few years through a range of initiatives including providing home security measures in more than 10,000 older persons homes through the Lock Out Crime Scheme. It will also raise safety awareness among older people through innovative media and communication initiatives.
	The provision of significant funding to 20 local community-based projects aimed at addressing the community safety of older people and vulnerable adults, the recent launch of the Neighbourhood Watch NI Programme, the putting in place of Community Safety Partnerships in each council area and their development of local community safety strategies, the forthcoming release of a consultative document on the Community Safety of Older People, and the imminent introduction of Anti-Social Behaviour Order legislation, will have major impacts on the safety of older people including countering the attacks on older people which all right minded people acknowledge is so abhorrent in a civilised society.
	The Department for Social Development has, through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's delivery of the Lock Out Crime Scheme, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office, and the 10 Estates Project, also contributed to Government's efforts in relation to the safety of older people.
	Finally, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has, in addition to dealing with crimes of assault and robbery of older people, more than 70 local initiatives aimed at providing crime prevention advice and measures to older people across Northern Ireland.
	The Police Service held a major conference in Belfast this year, the second day of which was specifically aimed at addressing the concerns of older people. It has also set up an Older Persons Independent Advisory Forum with which to discuss policy matters specific to them including the Policing Strategy for Older People currently being drafted.
	I believe that the breadth and extent of the actions being taken by Government Departments and the Police Service in relation to the safety and security of older people will have major and positive outcomes in relation to the quality of life experienced by them. In particular, they will help prevent those mercifully few but totally unacceptable attacks on older people, which we hear and see in the media.

Crime Statistics

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) burglaries, (b) assaults, (c) armed robberies and (d) car thefts were notified to police in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) North Belfast in each year since 2001.

Ian Pearson: The information requested is set out in the tables.
	
		Table 1: Northern Ireland
		
			 Offence type 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Burglary 17,143 18,659 16,389 
			 Assault 26,104 28,455 28,982 
			 Armed robberies 1,191 1,375 1,042 
			 Theft/unauthorised taking  of motor vehicles 11,635 8,410 5,369 
			 Comprised of:
			 Substantive offences 9,005 8,317 5,294 
			 Attempted offences 2,630 93 75 
		
	
	
		Table 2: North Belfast District Command Unit
		
			 Offence type 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Burglary 1,025 997 915 
			 Assault 1,814 1,661 1,695 
			 Armed robberies 154 223 133 
			 Theft/unauthorised taking  of motor vehicles 1,248 882 568 
			 Comprised of:
			 Substantive offences 1,003 559 561 
			 Attempted offences 245 23 7

Departmental Spending

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost has been of refurbishments to the fabric of Northern Ireland office owned buildings since May 1997.

Ian Pearson: Some records for the 199799 period could be analysed only at disproportionate cost.
	Where information is available, the total cost for refurbishments to Northern Ireland Office owned buildings since May 1997 is 92,699.11.

Departmental Spending

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost was of printing departmental headed notepaper in (a) 199697 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Ian Pearson: This is a partial response as the records for 199607 are held in a format that could only be utilised at a disproportionate cost to the department.
	The latest year for which figures are available is 200304 when 5,835.83 was spent by the Northern Ireland Office on printing departmental headed notepaper.

Departmental Spending

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of running the Northern Ireland Office's canteen facilities was in (a) 199697 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Ian Pearson: The Department provides canteen facilities for use by its staff and makes a contribution towards the running cost of such provision in buildings which it shares with other departments. Information is not available for the period 199697. The latest year for which an overall figure is available is 200304 and the total was 83,155.78.

Director of Public Prosecutions

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many posts have been advertised by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in each of the last five years; how many were reserved, broken down by grade; how many of the reserved posts fell within the remit of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners; and how many of the grade equivalent in the Northern Ireland civil service were advertised; and how many of these were reserved.

Ian Pearson: In response to the first part of the question relating to the DPP I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 30 June 2004, Official Report, column 319W, (see Table A).
	In response to the second part of the question the Northern Ireland civil service has advertised the following posts in grade equivalent to those advertised by the DPP in each of the last five years (see Table B).
	
		Table A
		
			  Posts advertised Appointments 
		
		
			 1999 SCS 1 
			
			 2000 SCS 1 
			
			 2001 SCS 1 
			  SCS 2 
			  Grade A(20) 6 
			  Grade B1 8 
			
			 2002 Grade A 1 
			  Grade ANot reserved 1 
			  Grade B1 0 
			  Grade A 8 
			  Grade B1 12 
			
			 2003 Grade B1 9 
			
			 2004 SCS 1 
			  Grade Bl Competition ongoing 
			  Grade A Competition ongoing 
			  Grade A Competition ongoing 
			  Grade Bl Competition ongoing 
			  Grade Bl Competition ongoing 
		
	
	(20) Since giving the answer on 30 June 2004 it has been realised that this post was not advertised but filled by means of an internal promotion board and should not therefore have been included in the original figures given.
	
		Table B
		
			  Grades of posts Equivalent NICS appointments 
			  advertised by DPP Reserved Non-reserved 
		
		
			 1999 SCS 2 7 
			 
			 2000 SCS 5 5 
			 
			 2001 SCS 4 12 
			  Grade A 0 1 
			  Grade B1 4 6 
			 
			 2002 Grade A 1 3 
			  Grade B1 7 14 
			 
			 2003 Grade B1 8 26 
			 
			 2004 SCS 5 8 
			  Grade A 12 1 
			  Grade B1 19 0

Dyspraxia

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to improve (a) awareness of and (b) training in dyspraxia for health professionals in the Province.

Angela Smith: The main professions involved in the assessment and treatment of dyspraxia are speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Therapists working in this area undertake additional specialist training. The provision of such training is a matter for individual trusts based on the identified need within their area.

Family Doctor Practices (Superannuation)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who funds superannuation payments for staff in local family doctor practices in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: Practices are responsible for paying the employers superannuation contribution in respect of the staff they employ. An element of funding in respect of such costs is included in practice global sums.

Festivals

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was allocated by Northern Ireland Departments to fund festivals in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and how much was allocated in each year to groups from (a) a Nationalist background and (b) a Unionist background.

Angela Smith: The funding allocated by NI Departments and their sponsored bodies to the funding of festivals for each year since 1997 is contained in the table below. The majority of NI Departments do not record or hold information in respect of the community background of recipients of this funding.
	
		
			  Government funding (000) 
		
		
			 199798(21) 404,168 
			 199899 601,601 
			 19992000 746,130 
			 200001 786,667 
			 200102 1,869,202 
			 200203 1,123,153 
			 200304 1,434,483 
			 Total 6,965,404 
		
	
	(21) One Department's data are not readily available and would incur disproportionate cost to collate.
	In addition EU funding was allocated by NI Departments as follows:
	
		
			  European funding ( million) 
		
		
			 199798 252,814 
			 199899 33,085 
			 19992000 181,706 
			 200001 13,854 
			 200102 1,751 
			 200203 291,634 
			 200304 380,718 
			 Total 1,155,562

General Practitioner Contract/Services

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding has been provided to assist in the implementation of the new general practitioner contract in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The initial funding secured to fund the new General Medical Services contract was 146 million in 200304, 159 million in 200405 and 174 million in 200506. Subsequently, a further 14 million recurrent funding has been secured to support the implementation of the contract.

General Practitioner Contract/Services

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received on the implementation of the new general practitioner contract.

Angela Smith: To date some 13 representations have been received. These have been in the form of parliamentary questions and other correspondence.

General Practitioner Contract/Services

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on how enhanced services defined in the general practitioner contract will be funded in the Province.

Angela Smith: Resources for the commissioning of enhanced services by health and social services boards have been provided as part of the overall financial envelope for implementation of the general practitioner contract in Northern Ireland. These resources have already been allocated to the boards.

General Practitioner Contract/Services

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on plans for general practitioner out-of-hours services from 1 January 2005.

Angela Smith: From 1 January 2005 statutory responsibility for the provision of general practitioner out-of-hours services will transfer to health and social services boards. At present, the boards are developing detailed plans for the future delivery of out-of-hours services to ensure a smooth transition from current arrangements.

Housing Executive

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homes were in the ownership of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at the end of 1998.

John Spellar: At the end of the financial year 1998 to 31 March 1999 the number was 134,288.

Illegal Drugs

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total amount of illegal drugs seized by the authorities in Northern Ireland was in each year since 2001; and what the estimated street value was.

Ian Pearson: The amounts and estimated street values of illicit drugs seized by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are detailed in the following tables. The quantity of drugs seized by the Northern Ireland Prison Service are also outlined however the value of drugs seized within Northern Ireland Prison establishments is not calculated.
	Customs efforts to protect Northern Ireland from drugs cannot be measured solely on results in Northern Ireland itself. In the years 200102 and 200203, Customs took out 20,556 kilos of class A drugs and 126,095 of cannabis, targeted on the UK, some of which would have been destined for Northern Ireland.
	
		Seizures by Police Service of Northern Ireland
		
			 Drugs Seized  200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Cocaine Powder (gms) 3,399.9 3,023.87 11,470.91 
			  Wraps 4 12 6 
			  
			 Crack cocaine (gms) 66.5 50 9.2 
			  
			 Ecstasy Tablets 127,368 605,188 222,888 
			  Powder (gms) 232.81 1.1 72.1 
			  Capsules 2 25 20 
			  
			 LSD Doses 122 4 0 
			  Microdots 0 1 6 
			  
			 Opiates Powder (gms) 102.1 346 189.9 
			  Tablets 51 41 3 
			  Ampoules 4 1 20 
			  Mls 366 428.5 163.6 
			  Wraps 69 1 2 
			  
			 Cannabis Resin (kgs) 417.2 709.5 2,204.2 
			  Herbal (kgs) 49 27.7 32.8 
			  Plants 141 202 1,173 
			  Joints 273 169 212 
			  
			 Amphetamine Powder (kgs) 8.8 27.6 17.3 
			  Wraps 26 24 35 
			  Tablets 118 11 58 
			 Street value of drugs seized 6,559,700 11,082,910 15,108,410 
		
	
	
		Seizures by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise
		
			 Drugs seized 200102 200203 
		
		
			 Cocaine Grams 0 1,690 
			 Heroin Grams 0 0 
			 Ecstasy tablets  0 6 
			 Cannabis Grams 13,000 20,186 
			 Street value of drugs seized 130,000 337,120 
		
	
	
		Seizures by Northern Ireland Prison Service
		
			   March to February 
			   200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Cocaine Grams 7.2 0.5 1 
			  Tablets 7 0 0 
			  
			 Heroin Grams 0 0.3 2.8 
			  Wraps 8 0 0 
			  
			 Ecstasy tablets  38.5 15 176 
			  
			 Cannabis Grams 432.5 645.98 952 
			  
			 Amphetamine Grams 40.1 10.4 1 
			  Mls 80 0 0 
			  Tablets 41 105 455 
			  
			 Barbiturates Grams 0 1.8 5.2 
			  Tablets 1 20 15

Parades

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total policing cost of parades was from 1 April to 14 August; and what the figure was for the same period last year.

Ian Pearson: The information requested by the hon. Gentleman is taking some time to collate. I will respond in due course when the information is available.

Parades

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2004, Official Report, column 1135W, on parades, what the police estimate is from written reports and CCTV records of the number of additional bands participating in the 1 July Parade organised by the Ballymacarrett Loyal Orange Lodge District No 6; and what steps were made by the police to verify this list.

Ian Pearson: PSNI have confirmed that two bands, additional to those included on the notification, participated in the parade.

Parades

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings of the Parades Commission were held between 7 and 13 July; who was in attendance; and how long the meetings lasted.

Ian Pearson: During the period from 7 July to 13 July 2004, members of the Parades Commission were extensively involved in Commission business on an on-going basis. The Parades Commission held a formal meeting on 8 July 2004 at which six Commissioners were present, supported by staff from the Commission Secretariat. One Commissioner was absent for personal reasons but was fully consulted about Commission business during the course of the meeting. The meeting lasted for approximately five hours.

Police Ombudsman

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to increase the confidence of members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the systems in operation at the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

John Spellar: The Ombudsman advises that her office and the staff associations have set up a joint committee to address all issues of concern highlighted in the recent police officers attitude survey and she has agreed to undertake a range of information sharing events across the Police Service of Northern Ireland (the PSNI) with officers at all grades. Other confidence building measures include:
	regular meetings with all staff associations, and special police committees;
	seminars with district commanders;
	continued involvement in police training;
	extensive work on protocols on communication and understanding;
	a significant agreement on the publication of reports; and
	distribution of leaflets throughout the PSNI explaining the work of the Ombudsman.

Police Ombudsman

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many arrests of (a) police officers and (b) civilians have been made in response to investigations carried out by the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in each year since its creation.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised the following information in relation to arrests of (a) police officers and (b) civilians in each year in response to investigations by that office:
	
		
			  Police Civilians 
		
		
			 2001 3 1 
			 2002 6 0 
			 2003 5 0 
			 2004 2 0

Police Ombudsman

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost of the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been in each year since its establishment.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised that the total cost of the office in each year since its establishment is as follows:
	
		
			   
		
		
			 6 November 2000 to 31 March 2002 (22)7,821,378 
			 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 6,848,512 
			 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 6,822,381 
		
	
	(22) Covering 17-month period.

Police Ombudsman

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are employed (a) part-time and (b) full-time in the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised that there are 116 full-time and two part-time staff employed in her office (as at 31 August 2004).

Police Ombudsman

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost of (a) salaries and (b) travel expenses for those employed in the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been in each year since its establishment.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised that the total costs of (a) salaries and (b) travel expenses for each year since its establishment are as follows:
	
		(a) Salaries
		
			   
		
		
			 6 November 2000 to 31 March 2002 (23)4,275,716 
			 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 3,966,011 
			 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 4,104,370 
		
	
	
		(b) Travel costs
		
			   
		
		
			 6 November 2000 to 31 March 2002 (23)388,071.27 
			 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 338,230.37 
			 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 297,709.35 
		
	
	(23) Covering 17-month period.

Police Ombudsman

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) complaints have been received and (b) investigations have been carried out by the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland since its establishment.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised that since the establishment of the Office (a) a total of 12,723 complaints have been received and (b) a total of 8,365 investigations have been carried out by the Office.

Police Ombudsman

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are employed (a) directly and (b) indirectly by the Police Ombudsman's office
	 Question number missing in Hansard, possibly truncated question.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman's office has advised that of the 118 staff employed at 1 August 2004, (a) 101 are recruited directly and (b) 17 are recruited indirectly.

Police Ombudsman

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the religious breakdown is of staff employed (a) directly and (b) indirectly by the police
	 Question number missing in Hansard, possibly truncated question.

Ian Pearson: The Police Ombudsman has advised the following religious breakdown of staff employed directly and indirectly in her office:
	
		Percentage
		
			  (a) Directly employed (b) Indirectly employed 
		
		
			 Protestant 47 55 
			 Catholic 37 42 
			 Non-determined 16 3

Police Service of Northern Ireland

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Government Department is responsible for the funding of (a) building, (b) maintenance and (c) refurbishment of Police Service of Northern Ireland property.

Ian Pearson: Under section 6 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 the Northern Ireland Policing Board is empowered to provide and maintain buildings and equipment for police purposes. The Chief Constable exercises these powers on behalf of the Policing Board. Each financial year the Secretary of State makes a grant available to the Policing Board for police purposes.

Police

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of police stations' security is carried out by (a) independent security firms and (b) police service of Northern Ireland full-time reserve members in the Province; and what the cost was in each case in each month of the last year for which figures are available.

Ian Pearson: There are currently 155 police stations, of which 114 are externally guarded. Of these, 76 are guarded by FTR officers (67 per cent.), six are guarded by independent security firms (5 per cent.) and the remaining 32 (28 per cent.) by a combination of independent security firms and FTR officers.
	The total cost of FTR officers employed on police station security for the financial year 200304 was 25.9 million.
	The total cost of civilian guards employed on police station security for the financial year 200304 was 3.42 million.

Police

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many police stations are externally guarded by unarmed independent security firms in the Province.

Ian Pearson: There are six police stations externally guarded by unarmed independent security firms.

Police

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the funding provision for the maintenance and upgrading of Police Service of Northern Ireland police stations is for 200405.

Ian Pearson: The funding available for the maintenance and upgrading of the police estate for 200405 is 8 million.

Police

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was of policing and security for the visit of former President Clinton to the Province in August.

Ian Pearson: The cost for policing and security for the visit of former President Clinton in August 2004 was 31,469.00.

Police

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings of the Northern Ireland Policing Board have taken place in each year since its formation.

Ian Pearson: The Northern Ireland Policing Board was established on 4 November 2001. It held its first meeting on 7 November 2001. The 35th meeting was held on 9 September 2004.
	Listed as follows are meetings that have taken place since the formation of the board. This information was supplied by the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
	
		
			  Number of meetings 
		
		
			 2001 3 
			 2002 13 
			 2003 10 
			 2004 (to 21 September) 9 
			 Total 35

Police

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the attendance record is of each member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board at full board meetings in each year since the board's formation.

Ian Pearson: The Northern Ireland Policing Board was established on 4 November 2001. It held its first meeting on 7 November 2001. The 35th meeting was held on 9 September 2004.
	Two Ulster Unionist Party political members, Mr. Ivan Davis and Mr. James Leslie left the board on 19 February 2002 and were replaced by Mr. Sam Foster and Mr. Alan McFarland on 20 February 2002.
	The total number of board meetings that it would have been possible for each member to attend is shown in brackets.
	Listed as follows is a record of each member's attendance since the board's formation (attendance at part of a meeting is counted as full attendance).
	This information was supplied by the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
	
		
			  Total 
			 Member 2001 2002 2003 2004 (to 21 September) Attendance (Possible) 
		
		
			 Mr. Alex Attwood 3 13 9 8 33 (35) 
			 Mr. Denis Bradley (Vice Chairman) 3 13 10 7 33 (35) 
			 Viscount Brookeborough 2 12 8 8 30 (35) 
			 Mr. Joe Byrne 3 12 9 8 32 (35) 
			 Mr. Fred Cobain 3 13 10 7 33 (35) 
			 Mr. Ivan Davis 3 2   5 (5) 
			 Mr. Brian Dougherty 3 12 9 6 30 (35) 
			 Mr. Sam Foster  10 10 9 29 (30) 
			 Mr. Barry Gilligan 3 12 10 8 33 (35) 
			 Mr. William Hay 3 13 7 8 31 (35) 
			 Mr. Tom Kelly 3 9 6 5 23 (35) 
			 Lord Kilclooney 2 9 5 4 20 (35) 
			 Mr. James Leslie 2 2   4 (5) 
			 Mrs. Pauline McCabe 3 12 10 9 34 (35) 
			 Mr. Alan McFarland  11 10 9 30 (30) 
			 Mr. Eddie McGrady 3 10 6 5 24 (35) 
			 Mrs. Rosaleen Moore 3 12 7 6 28 (35) 
			 Mr. Ian Paisley (Jnr.) 3 13 8 9 33 (35) 
			 Professor Desmond Rea (Chairman) 3 13 10 9 35 (35) 
			 Mr. Suneil Sharma 3 7 8 6 24 (35) 
			 Mr. Sammy Wilson 3 13 10 9 35 (35)

Prison Service

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when, on the basis of current recruitment levels, he expects the composition of the Prison Service of Northern Ireland will reflect the wider population of Northern Ireland.

Ian Pearson: Over recent years the Northern Ireland Prison Service has gone through a period of reduction in staffing levels as a result of the closure of HMP Belfast and HMP Maze. As a result there have been no major recruitment campaigns which could significantly affect the composition of the service.
	However, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has recently held two recruitment competitions namely, for night patrol officer and prison custody officer. In an attempt to encourage under-represented groups to join the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the welcome statements in the job advertisements specifically encouraged Roman Catholics and women to apply.
	Given the small number of staff currently being recruited it is impossible to determine when the composition of the Northern Ireland Prison Service will reflect the wider population of Northern Ireland.

Public Administration

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the proposed Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland on the local government elections scheduled to be held in May 2005.

Ian Pearson: There are no plans to alter the scheduling of next year's Northern Ireland Local Government Elections as a result of the Review of Public Administration.

Public Order

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been convicted of public order offences arising out of disturbances in North Belfast on (a) 12 July 2003 and (b) 12 July 2004.

Ian Pearson: Statistics for prosecution and sentencing are currently only available up to the year 2002. The statistics for 2003 will be available within the next few months.

Queen's University Belfast

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees of Queen's University Belfast Students' Union are (i) Protestants and (ii) Roman Catholics.

Barry Gardiner: The Department of Employment and Learning does not hold information on the break down of the community background of staff employed by Queen's University Student's Union.

Radiography Training

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what incentives are in place to encourage radiographer helpers in the Province to train to become assistant practitioners.

Angela Smith: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety supports the training of Radiographer Helpers by funding the provision of training to obtain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3. Participation in such training and any further training is a matter for individual HSS employers, based on the identified need within their area. Additional pay points are available for Radiographer Helpers with the relevant NVQ.

Road Accidents

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of drivers involved in accidents in the Province in each of the last 10 years were under the influence of (a) drugs and (b) alcohol.

Ian Pearson: The Police Service of Northern Ireland do not collate figures for the number of drivers involved in road traffic collisions who were under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. However, the table provides details of the number of injury road traffic collisions in which drugs or alcohol were perceived to be the primary cause.
	
		
			  Road traffic injury collisions due to driver/rider under influence of alcohol or drugs Percentage of total road traffic collisions Total injury road traffic collisions 
		
		
			 1994 306 5 6,783 
			 1995 290 4 6,792 
			 1996 304 4 7,093 
			 1997 361 5 7,192 
			 1998 389 5 7,487 
			 1999 393 5 7,562 
			 2000 466 6 8,388 
			 2001 400 5 7,447 
			 2002 385 6 6,784 
			 2003 370 6 6,049

Road Usage

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  what the average number of vehicles per day using the A2 through the village of Dungiven, County Londonderry was in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what the average number of vehicles per day using the A6 through the village of Ballykelly, County Londonderry, was in each of the last five years.

John Spellar: The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to these questions.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Mr. Gregory Campbell, dated 18 October 2004
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland two parliamentary questions about the average number of vehicles per day using the A6 through Dungiven, and the A2 through Ballykelly, in each of the last five years. I have been asked to reply as the issues raised fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	The available data on the average volume of vehicles per day recorded in each of the last five years on the A6 through Dungiven, and on the A2 through Ballykelly, are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  A6 Dungiven to Londonderry, east of B74 A2 Limavady to Londonderry at Greysteel 
		
		
			 1999 11,400 13,130 
			 2000 12,370 13,600 
			 2001 13,020 13,870 
			 2002 13,630 14,130 
			 2003 13,820 14,290

Scheduled Offences

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of scheduled offences in Northern Ireland in each of the past six years.

Ian Pearson: The following tables provide details of the number of persons charged after being detained under the Terrorism Acts and the number of persons convicted of scheduled offences for each year since 1998.
	
		Table 1: Persons charged after being detained in Northern Ireland under the Prevention of terrorism Act 1989
		
			  Number of persons charged 
		
		
			 1998 135 
			 1999 105 
			 2000 88 
			 January to 18 February 2001 10 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Persons charged after being detained in Northern Ireland under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000
		
			  Number of persons charged 
		
		
			 19 February to 31 December 2001 50 
			 2002 80 
			 2003 121 
		
	
	Note:
	The figures do not include persons detained in Northern Ireland under separate legislation and later charged with offences under provisions of the Terrorism Act 2000.
	Sources:
	Research and Statistical Bullet 1/2000: Statistics on the Operation of the Prevention of Terrorism and Statistical Bulletin 6/2001: Statistics on the Operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Acts Northern Ireland 2000
	Research and Statistical Bulletin 3/2004: Northern Ireland Statistics on the Operation of the Terrorism Act 2000: Annual Statistics 2003
	
		Table 3: Number of persons convicted for scheduled offences in Northern Ireland in each of the past six years.
		
			  Number of persons convicted of scheduled offences 
		
		
			 1998 159 
			 1999 74 
			 2000 63 
			 2001 44 
			 2002 80 
			 2003 59 
			 2004 (up to 27 August) 19 
		
	
	Note:
	The figures include persons detained in Northern Ireland under separate legislation and later charged with offences under provisions of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Security Installations

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many attacks there have been on (a) army and (b) police installations in Northern Ireland over the last five years.

Ian Pearson: The following tables show the number of attacks on army premises and police stations in each of the last five years.
	Security Situation Statistics
	
		(a) Number of Attacks on army premises 19992004 1
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 1999 11 
			 2000 8 
			 2001 64 
			 2002 18 
			 2003 30 
			 2004(25) 29 
			 Total 160 
		
	
	(24) Attacks include missiles thrown, petrol and paint bomb incidents, shooting and bombing incidents, etc.
	(25) As at 10 September 2004
	Note:
	2004 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.
	
		Number of bomb attacks on Army bases
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 1999 0 
			 2000 4 
			 2001 4 
			 2002 2 
			 2003 1 
			 2004(26) 1 
			 Total 12 
		
	
	(26) Attacks include missiles thrown, petrol and paint bomb incidents, shooting and bombing incidents, etc.
	Note:
	2004 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.
	
		(b) Number of attacks on police stations 19992004 1
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 1999 20 
			 2000 8 
			 2001 20 
			 2002 55 
			 2003 49 
			 2004(28) 29 
			 Total 181 
		
	
	(27) Attacks include missiles thrown, petrol and paint bomb incidents, shooting and bombing incidents, etc.
	(28) As at 31 August 2004
	Note:
	2004 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.
	
		Number of bomb attacks and shooting incidents on police stations 19992004
		
			  Shooting incidents Bombing incidents 
		
		
			 1999 2 1 
			 2000 0 5 
			 2001 1 9 
			 2002 1 10 
			 2003 0 9 
			 2004(29) 0 0 
			 Total 4 34 
		
	
	(29) As at 31 August 2004
	Note:
	2004 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

SEN Pupils

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many special educational needs pupils there are in each education and library board area in Northern Ireland; how many of these are educated in mainstream schools; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The information for 200405 is not yet available. For 200304 the information requested is as follows.
	
		Education and Library Board
		
			  Belfast Western North Eastern South Eastern Southern 
		
		
			 Mainstream schools 9,450 9,415 7,897 9,574 9,282 
			 Special schools 1,359 800 1,000 1,289 386 
			 All schools 10,809 10,215 8,897 10,863 9,668 
		
	
	The figures represent children at all stages (15) of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. The number of children who have Statements of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5 of the Code of Practice) is 10,985.

Sexual Offences Act

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to bring legislation in Northern Ireland into line with sections 1 to 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; and what the timetable is for bringing forward such legislation.

John Spellar: I have instructed officials to consider legislative measures to address concerns expressed about the law, particularly in relation to offences against children and vulnerable people. I plan to have draft legislation published for consultation next year and brought forward when the parliamentary timetable permits.

Speeding

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fixed penalty notices for speeding have been issued in each district command unit area in Northern Ireland in each year since 2001.

Ian Pearson: The information requested is as follows.
	
		Urban region
		
			 DCU area 2001 2002 2003 2004 1 Total 
		
		
			 Antrim 939 493 697 545 2,674 
			 East Belfast 1,041 598 2,055 2,255 5,949 
			 North Belfast 356 362 919 1,220 2,857 
			 South Belfast 205 268 879 479 1,831 
			 West Belfast 67 258 250 614 1,189 
			 Carrickfergus 438 534 496 140 1,608 
			 Castlereagh 1,019 1,423 5,142 2,804 10,388 
			 Larne 388 387 276 132 1,183 
			 Lisburn 1,429 960 643 384 3,416 
			 Newtownabbey 543 693 558 230 2,024 
			 Newtownards 1,098 1,242 897 216 3,453 
			 North Down 1,070 1,135 1,048 1,424 4,677 
			 DCU area unknown 0 8 0 0 8 
			   
			 Yearly total 8,593 8,361 13,860 10,443 41,257 
		
	
	(30) To 31 August 2004.
	
		Rural region
		
			 DCU area 2001 2002 2003 2004 1 Total 
		
		
			 Armagh 1,077 770 1,371 146 3,364 
			 Ballymena 1,650 2,234 1,759 594 6,237 
			 Ballymoney 732 1,090 615 136 2,573 
			 Banbridge 1,772 2,097 1895 913 6,677 
			 Coleraine 769 864 639 466 2,738 
			 Cookstown 336 267 279 168 1,050 
			 Craigavon 2,049 2,841 1,164 808 6,862 
			 Down 904 1,113 705 485 3,207 
			 Dungannon 525 571 443 283 1,822 
			 Fermanagh 1,690 1,986 873 188 4,737 
			 Foyle 1,024 1,019 1,011 786 3,840 
			 Limavady 742 607 512 268 2,129 
			 Magherafelt 587 712 690 436 2,425 
			 Moyle 0 186 200 41 427 
			 Newry and Mourne 1,019 806 1,135 1,140 4,100 
			 Omagh 762 936 566 350 2,614 
			 Strabane 328 417 288 78 1,111 
			 Unknown DCU area 113 12 0 0 125 
			   
			 Yearly total 16,079 18,528 14,145 7,286 56,038 
		
	
	(31) To 31 August 2004.

Titanic Quarter

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a business plan for the proposal to establish a museum for sea and sky at Titanic Quarter; has been drawn-up; and what the estimated costs are for planned developments.

Angela Smith: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Antrim on 28 June 2004, Official Report, column 56W. The estimated cost of a new build museum with a floor area/display space of 10,000 square metres is approximately 60 million.

Travellers

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the law on trespass to tackle the occupation of business and residential property by large groups of travellers.

John Spellar: On 11 October legislative proposals that provide for the removal of trespassers who intend residing on land were published for consultation. The draft Unauthorised Encampments (NI) Order 2004 gives the police the power to direct people who camp illegally to leave land and remove their vehicles and other property in certain circumstances. It also creates an offence and a power of seizure for non-compliance with a direction.
	Subject to the outcome of consultation, new legislation should be laid before Parliament early next year.

Trevor Kells

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the murder of Trevor Kells in December 2000 in north Belfast.

Ian Pearson: The murder of Trevor Kells is still an ongoing investigation. Persons have been arrested but released without charge due to lack of evidence. The police will continue to seek any new opportunity to help develop and progress the investigation into this horrific murder.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Admissions

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the local education authorities where the Secretary of State has had to determine whether a ranked or equal preference co-ordinated admissions scheme should be used.

David Miliband: It is a requirement of all co-ordinated admissions schemes that parents must rank their preferences on a common application form, but there are generally two types of scheme. Under an 'equal preference' scheme details of all applications are forwarded to admission authorities at the same time, regardless of ranking, to be considered together; whereas under a 'first preference first' scheme all first preference applicants are considered before second or third or lower preference applicants.
	The Secretary of State has imposed co-ordinated admissions schemes on the following areas:
	Bromley
	Calderdale
	Cumbria
	Dorset
	Kent
	Lancashire
	Milton Keynes
	These were equal preference schemes.

Admissions

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the local education authorities that have adopted a ranked preference scheme for co-ordinated admissions policies.

David Miliband: The following local education authorities have adopted co-ordinated admissions schemes that consider first preference applications before second, third or lower ranked preferences:
	Blackpool
	Bolton
	Brighton and Hove
	Bristol
	Cheshire
	Cornwall
	East Sussex
	Gateshead
	Hartlepool
	Isle of Wight
	North Lincolnshire
	Oldham
	Peterborough
	Poole
	Portsmouth
	Stockton-on-Tees
	Swindon
	Tameside
	Warrington
	Warwickshire
	Wigan

Child Care

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many child care places there have been in (a) City of York and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in each year since 1997.

Margaret Hodge: The information is not available in the form requested.
	Figures for 19972001 are shown in Table 1.
	
		Table 1: Number of day care places1,2 by type of provider 19972001 -- position at 31 March each year
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 City of York local education authority area  
			 Day nurseries 840 840 930 980 1,000 
			 Playgroups and pre-schools 1,400 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 
			 Childminders 2,200 1,900 1,800 1,700 1,700 
			 Out of school clubs 410 380 400 510 950 
			 Holiday schemes(34) 560 410 (35)420 (36)1,900 3,200 
			   
			 Yorkshire and the Humber government office region  
			 Day nurseries 17,500 15,600 25,000 24,800 25,300 
			 Playgroups and pre-schools 31,200 25,500 28,500 26,100 25,500 
			 Childminders 31,600 29,700 29,100 30,000 29,500 
			 Out of school clubs 6,500 8,300 11,000 12,900 14,300 
			 Holiday schemes(34) 19,000 14,600 56,000 (36)52,900 58,500 
		
	
	(32) The figures have been rounded.
	(33) Data Source: Children's Day Care Facilities Survey.
	(34) From 1999, places were counted once for each school holiday. Before 1999, places were counted once each year.
	(35) Places may have been counted once rather than once for each school holiday; see footnote 3.
	(36) Includes schemes that were exempt from registration.
	Figures for 2003 and 2004 are shown in Table 2.
	
		Table 2: Number of day care places1,2 by type of provider 2003 and 2004 -- position at 31 March each year
		
			  2003 2004 
		
		
			 City of York local education authority area 
			 Full day care 1,600 1,700 
			 Sessional day care 1,000 1,000 
			 Childminders 1,400 1,300 
			 Out of school day care 1,200 1,200 
			 Crche day care 200 100 
			
			 Yorkshire and the Humber government office region 
			 Full day care 35,100 42,600 
			 Sessional day care 21,400 20,900 
			 Childminders 30,500 32,100 
			 Out of school day care 21,700 24,600 
			 Crche day care 2,900 3,520 
		
	
	(37) The figures have been rounded.
	(38) Data Source: Ofsted

British Exhibition Contractors Association

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the requirement for exhibition contractors to be registered with the Construction Industry Training Board was last reviewed; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: I have made it clear that I am prepared to review the position of exhibition contractors if the sector requests it. Advice has been given to the British Exhibition Contractors Association on the process but so far no formal request has been received.

British Exhibition Contractors Association

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussion he and his officials have held with the British Exhibition Contractors Association on the requirements by their members to be registered with the Construction Industry Training Board; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: Neither I nor my officials have had any recent discussion with the British Exhibition Contractors Association (BECA) on this issue. In March 2003 officials received an e-mail from the BECA advising of its intention to seek the removal of exhibition contracting from the scope of the Construction Industry Training Board. In response, officials outlined the process and the kind of information that would need to be provided to enable me to make a decision. We have heard nothing further from the association but my officials would be very happy to meet them if that would be helpful.

Cam Hopton School

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the application by Cam Hopton School, in Stroud, for a boiler repair; and for what reason it is being asked to make a contribution.

David Miliband: holding answer 15 October 2004
	Cam Hopton, a Voluntary Aided school, applied to the Department to proceed with a boiler replacement project. The work was approved at a cost of 35,853, with the school using some of its Devolved Formula Capital grant. Although the replacement of items such as boilers was previously the responsibility of the local education authority, the package of reforms introduced in April 2002 to the capital funding of Voluntary Aided schools transferred this responsibility to the governing bodies of those schools.
	These changes were introduced with the widespread support of the Voluntary Aided sector, and approved by Parliament through this Department's first Regulatory Reform Order. To ensure that the changes were cost neutral overall, the statutory contribution, which is required by the governing bodies of Voluntary Aided schools towards the cost of any capital work, was reduced from 15 per cent. to 10 per cent.

Class Sizes

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the average class size was in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004 for (i) primary, (ii) secondary and (iii) specialist schools, broken down by constituency.

David Miliband: The information requested has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Class Sizes

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in Carlisle were taught in classes of more than 30 on the latest date for which figures are available.

David Miliband: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The data requested is shown in the table.
	
		Maintained primary and secondary schools(39): number of pupils in classes of 31 or more pupils taught by one teacher(40):January 2004Carlisle parliamentary constituency
		
			   Number of pupils in classes of 31 or more 
			  Total pupils in all classes Number of pupils Percentage of pupils pupils(41) 
		
		
			 Maintained primary 5,980 490 8.3 
			 
			 Maintained secondary 5,640 900 16.0 
		
	
	(39) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(40) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	(41) Percentage of pupils in those classes expressed as a percentage of pupils in all classes taught by one teacher.

Class Sizes

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average (a) primary school and (b) secondary school class size in Castle Point was in (i) 199697 and (ii) 200304.

David Miliband: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Maintained primary and secondary schools(42): average size of classes taught by one teacher(43)Position as at January each yearCastle Point parliamentary constituency(44)
		
			  1997 2004 
		
		
			 Primary   
			 Number of pupils 7,340 7,160 
			 Number of classes 260 260 
			 Average class size 27.8 27.4 
			 Secondary   
			 Number of pupils 5,820 6,440 
			 Number of classes 250 280 
			 Average class size 23.6 23.2 
		
	
	(42) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(43) Classes as taught during the one selected period in each school on the day of the census in January.
	(44) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Catering Facilities (Schools)

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in England have catering facilities run by private companies.

Stephen Twigg: This Department does not collect this information.

Class Sizes (Coventry, South)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average class size in Coventry, South for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools was in each year since 1997.

David Miliband: The requested information is given in the table.
	
		Maintained primary and secondary schools(45): Average size of classes taught by one teacher(46)Position in January each year: 1997 to 2004 (provisional)
		
			  Coventry, South parliamentary constituency 
			  Primary Secondary 
			  Number of pupils Number of classes Average class size Number of pupils Number of classes Average class size 
		
		
			 1997 8,220 300 27.4 5,590 250 22.5 
			 1998 8,120 300 27.4 5,800 270 21.9 
			 1999 8,110 310 26.5 6,050 270 22.2 
			 2000 8,050 300 26.5 6,220 290 21.6 
			 2001 7,860 310 25.6 6,460 280 22.8 
			 2002 7,740 310 24.7 6,700 310 21.9 
			 2003 7,300 290 25.0 6,820 310 22.1 
			 2004(47) 7,210 290 25.3 6,830 320 21.1 
		
	
	(45) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(46) Classes as taught during the one selected period in each school on the day of the census in January.
	(47) Provisional
	Note:
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census.

Construction Industry Training Board

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the cost of the Construction Industry Training Board Levy was to (a) exhibition constructing companies and (b) subcontracting companies in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The 2002 levy assessmentspayable in 2003amounted to 50,384 in total. The assessments were based on based on employers' 200102 PAYE payments of just under 3 million and payments for sub-contracted labour amounting to just under 600,000. However a significant proportion of these assessments were estimated as the board has not received levy returns from the employers in question. A large number of the assessments are also currently unpaid and the value of paid assessments to date is 23,555.
	The value of grants, training allowances and college fees paid to those companies in 2003 was 13,541.

Construction Industry Training Board

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, in what year the order establishing the Construction Industry Training Board Levy was amended to include activities in connection with the erection and dismantling of exhibition stands.

Ivan Lewis: The erection and dismantling of exhibition stands has been included in the definition of the construction industry as set out in the Construction Industry Training Board's governing legislation since the board was established in 1964. The relevant statutory instrument at the time was The Industrial Training (Construction Board) Order 1964 No. 1079.

Correspondence

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon, dated 14 July, concerning the funding of grammar schools.

David Miliband: A response has been issued today.

Departmental Expenditure

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much his Department spent on replacing light bulbs in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Twigg: During 200304 my Department spent approximately 19,000 on lighting expenditure including contractors fees, the cost of replacement bulbs and the cost of bulbs used in the installation of new lighting systems.

Disabled People

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what arrangements he has in place for monitoring statistics concerning the (a) numbers and (b) needs of disabled people and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Twigg: My Department remains fully committed to the work we are all taking forward across Government to improve the rights of disabled people. Clearly education plays an important part in removing the barriers to participation in society and we will continue to ensure that it does so.
	As part of the performance management arrangements on children's social services departments, DfES have this year introduced a revised performance indicator on disabled children. The new definition from April 2004 is:
	The number of disabled children receiving services in the census week which support them either in their families or to live independently, as a percentage of the estimated total population of disabled children in the council area.
	The number of disabled children receiving a service is taken from the Children in Need Census returns, while the population of disabled children in the council area is estimated from the 2001 Census data on children with a limiting long standing illness or disability.
	The numbers of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are collected through the Pupil Level Annual Schools Census (PLASC). All maintained schools and non-maintained special schools, City Technology Colleges and Academies are asked to record pupils with statements of SEN, pupils at School Action and those at School Action Plus. In January 2004 data on type of need was collected for the first time for pupils at School Action Plus and those with statements of SEN. Schools were asked to use one of 11 categories, plus other, to record pupils' greatest or primary need and also their secondary need. Guidance was issued to all schools describing each type of need. Data is published on the DfES website and in the annual statistics bulletin for Special Educational Needs.
	Connexions Partnerships are required to undertake a comprehensive assessment of needs for all young people in their area.
	Statistics on the numbers of learners with disabilities in post-16 education and training are collected by the Learning and Skills Council through the individualised learner record and other data collections, the latter covers both schools data and data on specialist colleges. The LSC has commissioned mapping of provision for learners with disabilities at both a national and a local level as part of its remit for planning effective post-16 learning provision to meet the needs of this group.
	Information on HE students who are disabled is collected annually from all HE institutions in the UK by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The statistics collected are based on the number of students who consider themselves as disabled (based on self reporting) and the number who receive Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).

Exhibition Construction Companies

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many exhibition construction companies have appealed to industrial tribunals seeking exemption from the Construction Industry Training Board Levy; and what the results were.

Ivan Lewis: Between 1965 and 1998 three exhibition construction companies appealed to a tribunal. In two cases the appeals were successful as the tribunals decided that the employers' main activity was not the erection or dismantling of exhibition stands. The third case concerned the amount of the levy assessment and the appeal was lost because the employer failed to show why a lower assessment should have been made.
	Since 1999 a small number of employers initiated appeals but they were withdrawn before a hearing began.

Formula Spending Share

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much his Department will spend per school pupil in each local education authority area this year.

David Miliband: The table sets out the level of Government allocation through the Education Formula Spending system, based on number of pupils and additional needs, plus Government funding through grants relevant to pupils aged 315.
	
		
			 LEA Name 20042005 Funding 000 
		
		
			 Camden 5,850 
			 Greenwich 5,260 
			 Hackney 6,010 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 5,730 
			 Islington 5,810 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 5,920 
			 Lambeth 5,890 
			 Lewisham 5,440 
			 Southwark 5,560 
			 Tower Hamlets 6,130 
			 Wandsworth 5,090 
			 Westminster 5,560 
			 Barking and Dagenham 4,430 
			 Barnet 4,220 
			 Bexley 3,900 
			 Brent 4,900 
			 Bromley 3,910 
			 Croydon 4,240 
			 Ealing 4,660 
			 Enfield 4,400 
			 Haringey 5,150 
			 Harrow 4,240 
			 Havering 3,890 
			 Hillingdon 4,120 
			 Hounslow 4,570 
			 Kingston upon Thames 3,920 
			 Merton 4,240 
			 Newham 5,010 
			 Redbridge 4,070 
			 Richmond upon Thames 3,880 
			 Sutton 4,010 
			 Waltham Forest 4,760 
			 Birmingham 4,240 
			 Coventry 3,920 
			 Dudley 3,570 
			 Sandwell 4,020 
			 Solihull 3,570 
			 Walsall 3,780 
			 Wolverhampton 4,070 
			 Knowsley 4,400 
			 Liverpool 4,340 
			 St. Helens 3,900 
			 Sefton 3,810 
			 Wirral 3,900 
			 Bolton 3,750 
			 Bury 3,670 
			 Manchester 4,550 
			 Oldham 4,000 
			 Rochdale 4,060 
			 Salford 4,080 
			 Stockport 3,540 
			 Tameside 3,800 
			 Trafford 3,610 
			 Wigan 3,670 
			 Barnsley 3,860 
			 Doncaster 3,900 
			 Rotherham 3,870 
			 Sheffield 3,900 
			 Bradford 4,060 
			 Calderdale 3,770 
			 Kirklees 3,870 
			 Leeds 3,840 
			 Wakefield 3,650 
			 Gateshead 3,950 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 4,110 
			 North Tyneside 3,780 
			 South Tyneside 4,060 
			 Sunderland 3,940 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 3,520 
			 Bristol, City of 3,950 
			 North Somerset 3,570 
			 South Gloucestershire 3,430 
			 Hartlepool 3,990 
			 Middlesbrough 4,320 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 3,970 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 3,940 
			 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 4,060 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 3,540 
			 North East Lincolnshire 3,850 
			 North Lincolnshire 3,770 
			 North Yorkshire 3,620 
			 York 3,490 
			 Bedfordshire 3,730 
			 Luton 4,200 
			 Buckinghamshire 3,780 
			 Milton Keynes 3,940 
			 Derbyshire 3,550 
			 Derby 3,860 
			 Dorset 3,540 
			 Poole 3,460 
			 Bournemouth 3,580 
			 Durham 3,780 
			 Darlington 3,740 
			 East Sussex 3,860 
			 Brighton and Hove 4,000 
			 Hampshire 3,630 
			 Portsmouth 3,970 
			 Southampton 4,030 
			 Leicestershire 3,400 
			 Leicester 4,170 
			 Rutland 3,640 
			 Staffordshire 3,460 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 4,000 
			 Wiltshire 3,600 
			 Swindon 3,610 
			 Bracknell Forest 3,800 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 3,880 
			 West Berkshire 3,780 
			 Reading 4,150 
			 Slough 4,590 
			 Wokingham 3,640 
			 Cambridgeshire 3,650 
			 Peterborough 4,000 
			 Cheshire 3,530 
			 Halton 4,130 
			 Warrington 3,450 
			 Devon 3,620 
			 Plymouth 3,670 
			 Torbay 3,630 
			 Essex 3,820 
			 Southend-on-Sea 3,900 
			 Thurrock 4,120 
			 Herefordshire 3,780 
			 Worcestershire 3,470 
			 Kent 3,840 
			 Medway 3,730 
			 Lancashire 3,690 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 4,200 
			 Blackpool 3,880 
			 Nottinghamshire 3,540 
			 Nottingham 4,320 
			 Shropshire 3,700 
			 Telford and Wrekin 3,760 
			 Cornwall 3,680 
			 Cumbria 3,730 
			 Gloucestershire 3,560 
			 Hertfordshire 3,760 
			 Isle of Wight 3,920 
			 Lincolnshire 3,700 
			 Norfolk 3,730 
			 Northamptonshire 3,620 
			 Northumberland 3,710 
			 Oxfordshire 3,780 
			 Somerset 3,640 
			 Suffolk 3,570 
			 Surrey 3,720 
			 Warwickshire 3,600 
			 West Sussex 3,690 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. 200405 figures are provisional as some grants have not yet been finalised/audited. Updates will be available in the Autumn.
	2. Figures reflect the Education Formula Spending settlement (all sub-blocks), plus all revenue grants in DfES Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to EFS pupils aged 315.
	3. Figures exclude Education Maintenance Allowance and grants not allocated at LEA level and the pensions transfer to EFS and Learning and Skills Council for 200405.
	4. The pupil numbers used are those underlying the SSA/EFS settlement calculations plus PLASC 3 year olds maintained pupils and estimated 34 year olds funded through state support in maintained and other educational institutions where these are not included in the SSA pupil numbers.
	5. Per pupil figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and are provided in cash terms.
	Source:
	The Unit Funding Model 200405

Gypsies and Travellers

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate the Government have made of the number of Gypsy and Traveller children in each year since 1997 (a) broken down by region and (b) in St. Helens.

Stephen Twigg: The requested information is not available prior to 2003. Final 2003 and provisional 2004 figures of Gypsy/Roma pupils and Travellers of Irish Heritage enrolled in schools for each region and local education authority in England have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Home Tuition and Hospital Teaching Service

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people are employed in the Home Tuition and Hospital Teaching Service.

Margaret Hodge: The Department does not collect this information. Local Education Authorities have a duty to provide suitable education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school because of their medical needs. Education for these children can be provided in a variety of ways, for example through the provision of a hospital school or hospital teaching service; home teaching; or an integrated hospital/home teaching service. It is for individual Local Education Authorities to decide, in the light of the statutory guidance Access to Education for children and young people with Medical needs, on the most appropriate education arrangements for children with medical needs within their areas and the staffing levels necessary to support those arrangements.

Homelessness (Children)

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of homelessness on children, during preparation of the Children Bill.

Margaret Hodge: Suitable and stable accommodation is one of the most important influences on the lives of children, particularly the most disadvantaged. The provisions in the Children Bill followed the consultation on the Every Child Matters Green Paper, which itself outlined the steps the Government has been taking in the wake of the Homelessness Act 2002. As that consultation acknowledged, it is important that planning and decisions on housing and accommodation are influenced by the wider needs of children across an area, whether the responsibility sits with the top tier authority or not. That is why the Government has included in the Children Bill powers to make district councils one of the statutory partners in local children's service co-operation arrangements. The Bill also places them under a duty to have regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in carrying out their functions, including housing. The Bill allows for the remit of the Director of Children's Service to be extended to cover any housing duties the authority has, where the makes sense locally.

Key Stage 3

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils achieved Level 5 or above at key stage 3 (a) in England and (b) at schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 2002.

David Miliband: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  Percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 or above at key stage 3 
			  Buckingham England 
		
		
			 English   
			 2002 78 67 
			 2003 78 69 
			 2004   
			
			 Maths   
			 2002 77 67 
			 2003 81 71 
			 2004  73 
			
			 Science   
			 2002 78 67 
			 2003 78 68 
			 2004  66 
		
	
	Figures for England for maths and science in 2004 are provisional and are currently unavailable at parliamentary constituency level. National figures for English in 2004 are also unavailable until the impact of the extended review process for key stage 3 English is clearer.

Mature Students

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking to encourage mature students to study at university.

Kim Howells: The Government are firmly committed to increasing the opportunities for people of all ages to access higher education (HE).
	Of all full-time undergraduate enrolments in English HE and FE institutions, 43 per cent. were people aged 21 and over.
	Many older people enter HE through Access to Higher Education courses. These are designed to prepare for HE those mature students who have few, if any, formal qualifications. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) presented proposals to the Department in March 2004 for modernising the criteria for Access Courses, so that they are sufficiently flexible and attractive to meet the needs of today's adult learners. The Department has agreed a programme of work to take forward a number of the proposals, and to consider further the strategic role that Access courses play in enabling participation in HE.
	Aimhigher is the national outreach programme that aims to widen participation in higher education through raising attainment and aspirations, and improving progression to HE. Activities to improve progression for vocational learners are likely to particularly benefit mature students.
	We are committed to introducing legislation to combat discrimination on the grounds of age in employment and vocational training, and we have recently concluded a public consultation. New regulations will come into effect in October 2006. These will further help mature students to access higher education.

Mobile Phones

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the (a) capital and (b) running costs of mobile phones in his Department has been in each year since 2001.

Stephen Twigg: In my Department the running costs for mobile phones since 2001 are as follows:
	
		
			   
		
		
			 200102 286,863 
			 200203 266,505 
			 200304 270,547 
		
	
	During this period there have been no capital costs.

Pre-school Education

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Department is taking to improve staff retention within the pre-school education sector, with particular reference to (a) training and (b) career structure.

Margaret Hodge: For the two year period, 200406, we have given local authorities 129.9 million to help recruit, train and develop their early years' work force. We have also encouraged them to work closely with their local Learning and Skills Councils to put in place shared targets for training new and existing workers to Level 2 and 3. We do though recognise the crucial role that leaders can play in motivating and developing staff, and improving outcomes for children, within early years' settings. To this end, we have developed a national programme, leading to a professional qualification, to meet the needs of leaders within integrated centres. We are also now consulting on the key elements of effective early years practice to inform future training and so equip practitioners with the key skills and the confidence necessary to support all children to reach their full potential. We believe these developments will help to improve staff retention and, in turn, raise the quality of provision within the sector.
	We recognise that a clear career structure is important if we are to improve retention rates among the early years' work force. This is one of the things our pay and work force strategy for the children's work force, due to be published this autumn, will address. The strategy will contain action to make working with children, including those under five, a more attractive career option. This will include developing flexible career and training pathways, developing a common core of skills and knowledge that promotes professionals in different sectors working together, and establishing a Children, Young People and Families Workforce Council which will represent the interests of the sector.

Primary School Hours

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many primary schools remained open from 8am to 6pm (a) in 1997 and (b) at the most recent date for which information is available;
	(2)  what the average additional gross cost is of (a) a primary school and (b) all primary schools remaining open from 8am to 6pm;
	(3)  what discussions he has had with (a) local education authorities and (b) organisations representing school governors about primary schools remaining open from 8am to 6pm; whether (i) head teachers and (ii) governors would be responsible for schools during those extended opening times.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 13 October 2004
	We do not hold data on how many primary schools were open from 8am to 6pm in 1997. More recently, a sample survey by four children carried out earlier this year, part funded by the Department, showed that 47 per cent. of schools have a breakfast club, 24 per cent. an after schools club, 38 per cent. a holiday play scheme, 100 per cent. offer study support and 50 per cent. were interested in developing extended services. We are currently considering how we might collect data on a more comprehensive basis and monitor progress.
	The cost of this service will vary from school-to-school, depending on local circumstances and charges made. We are working with local authorities and schools to consider the range of any additional costs, including capital costs, schools might face. Parents will be expected to pay towards the child care, provided in this way, but will be able to draw on the child care element of working tax credits where appropriate.
	We have had discussions on numerous occasions with local education authorities and organisations representing school governors and others during the course of developing extended schools policy. As we further develop the childcare strategy we will consult and discuss with local education authorities and governors as well as other key stakeholders.
	The school's governing body has responsibility for controlling the use of school premises both during and outside school hours. They can pass this responsibility onto a third party using a transfer of control agreement if they decide to do so. Such agreements might be a useful tool for schools, particularly when working with the voluntary and community and private sectors who we envisage will have a key role in working with schools to deliver this offer.

Primary School Hours

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he is taking to implement the before and after school care in primary schools programme; and what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the programme.

Margaret Hodge: We are making funding available to support the development of extended schools and childcare which includes the development of before and after school childcare provided in primary schools. We are further developing the childcare strategy and will discuss our proposals with key stakeholders in doing so. We are also providing advice, guidance and other support to schools and local authorities on setting up childcare and other extended services.
	Evaluation of extended schools, commissioned by the Department in 200304, has shown that the provision of extended services in schools, including childcare, after school clubs and out of schools activities had a positive impact on pupils, families and communities, particularly in return to pupil behaviour, attendance and attainment. We are continuing to assess the impact of extended services in schools, including childcare, on a range of outcomes.

Resources for Children and Learners

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 September 2004, Official Report, columns 15354WS, on Resources for Children and Learners what extra funding will be provided to the Increased Flexibility Programme in (a) 200506, (b) 200607 and (c) 200708; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: No decision has been taken by Ministers at this stage, but the question is currently under consideration.

Road Vehicle Safety

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many road vehicles are operated by the Department and its agencies; how many personal injury accidents involving road vehicles operated by the Department have occurred within each of the last five years; and what the Department's policy is for managing work-related road safety.

David Miliband: My Department currently has a fleet of 54 vehicles. Over the last five years from 1999 to 2003, four accidents involving personal injury to five people have been reported. The Department has a long established policy involving risk assessment procedures for all aspects of vehicle and personal usage. The Minister for the Cabinet Office will provide similar information for vehicles and drivers provided to my Department by the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

School Funding

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what applications his Department has received from Buckinghamshire Local Education Authority for capital funding for school places in (a) 200304 and (b) 200405.

David Miliband: In 200304 Buckinghamshire local education authority (LEA) bid for a total of 1,137 new pupil places (89 primary, 888 secondary and 160 post 16). Under the former bidding criteria, in that round, the authority received capital support for 951 places.
	From 200405, authorities no longer have to bid for new pupil places funding. Funding is now allocated mainly on a formulaic basis, based on the actual numbers of school pupils in each authority and their forecast growth in pupil numbers.

School Funding

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the differences in funding regimes for (a) local authority and (b) voluntary aided schools; and what plans he has to try to reduce funding differences.

David Miliband: holding answer 15 October 2004
	Local authority (community) schools and voluntary aided (VA) schools receive revenue funding via their delegated budget share. This budget share is governed by the Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations.
	Local education authorities are responsible for developing a local funding formula within the context of these regulations. The regulations do not allow for the formula to differentiate between categories of schools except in so far as this is justified by differences in functions.
	Schools, whether VA or community, also receive a number of grant allocations from the Department, many of which are passed directly to schools. No distinction is made in these grants between community and voluntary aided schools.
	Capital funding for VA schools is delivered directly to schools by the Department whereas capital funding for other schools is usually allocated via local authorities. Funding from local authorities can include capital funding that is supported though prudential borrowing.
	The capital funding available for investment in all Voluntary Aided (VA) schools is a fair share of the total capital budget for school buildings. Capital grant payable to individual VA schools is at the rate of 90 per cent. of the total expenditure, although the Secretary of State has the power to pay more in exceptional circumstances. Governing bodies must contribute the remaining 10 per cent. The level of grant is also increased to meet VAT costs where appropriate.
	There are no plans to change these principles. However, we are discussing with representatives of the VA sector whether the associated administrative processes can be simplified and improved.

Special Needs

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what plans his Department has in place to ensure that the progress of special educational needs pupils in mainstream schools is monitored effectively; and by what criteria success will be measured;
	(2)  if he will monitor the (a) academic progress, (b) development of social and life skills and (c) development of self-confidence and self-esteem of special educational needs pupils in mainstream schools.

Margaret Hodge: Schools have a duty to monitor the progress of pupils with special educational needs whether the pupil is at School Action, School Action Plus or has a statement of special educational need (SEN). All schools are required to set targets for their pupils including those with SEN. Targets relate to progress in the core national curriculum subjects and are set for pupils working at all levels including, where appropriate, P-levels. Targets are not required in respect of pupils' social and life skills or their self-confidence and self-esteem, nor currently is there an accepted way of assessing progress in these capabilities, though schools may report on them informally to parents.
	Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools and the Office for Standards in Education monitor the quality of education provided by schools for their pupils, including how well mainstream schools enable pupils with special educational needs to learn, develop and achieve.

Special Needs

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether teachers and support staff will be trained to a nationally agreed level to ensure that special educational needs pupils in mainstream schools receive a similar level of expertise in assessment and teaching to that which they would receive in a special school setting with specialist staff.

Margaret Hodge: New Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) came into effect in September 2002 and new Induction Standards, for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs), also came into force in 2003.
	In order to be awarded QTS, trainee teachers must demonstrate that they understand their responsibilities under the statutory SEN Code of Practice, know how to seek advice from specialists on less common types of SEN, can differentiate their teaching to meet the needs of individual pupils, including those with SEN, and can identify and support pupils who experience behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.
	The Standards for the Induction Support Programme for those awarded QTS require that NQTs can demonstrate that they can plan effectively to meet the needs of pupils in their classes with SEN, with or without a statement, and in consultation with the SEN Co-ordinator, contribute to the preparation and implementation of individual education plans or the equivalent. Once fully qualified, all teachers are expected to continue to develop their knowledge and skills according to their personal needs and the needs of those they teach. The only specific SEN qualification required by regulation is the mandatory qualification required for teachers employed by schools to teach classes of children who have either visual impairment, hearing impairment or multi-sensory impairment.
	Our recently published SEN Strategy, Removing Barriers to Achievement encourages mainstream and special schools to share their skills and expertise so that all pupils with SEN share an inclusive and effective educational experience regardless of where they are educated. Breaking down the divide between mainstream and special schools will entail a greater outreach role for special schools and movement of staff across sectors to share expertise and experience of working with more complex or severe levels of SEN.

Special Needs

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how his Department will ensure that other agencies are able to deliver their services to special educational needs pupils across a range of mainstream schools in a cost-and-time-effective manner, with particular reference to health and social services.

Margaret Hodge: The Government's strategy for special educational needs Removing Barriers to Achievement, published in February, set out our commitment to improving the availability of health and social services for children and organising services around the needs of children and their families.
	The Children's National Service Framework published on 15 September set new national standards for children's health and social care including disabled children. It highlighted the need for multi-agency provision of services for disabled children, in particular in schools. Implementation of the Children's NSF Standards will be an important component of inspection judgements made about children's health and social care services. Through the implementation of Every Child Matters the Government is also advocating a shift to more co-located services for example, schools and primary healthcare working together from single locations. Schools are being encouraged to become extended schools, which can provide health, social care and other services for children and families as part of the community. The Children Billcurrently being considered by both Houses of Parliamenthas a wide remit which includes encouraging integrated planning, commissioning and delivery of services.

Special Needs

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many cases concerning schools in Buckinghamshire were heard by the Special Educational Needs Tribunal in each year since 200102, indicating in how many cases the tribunal ruled that additional support should be provided for children with special needs.

Margaret Hodge: The Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) has heard the following appeals against Buckinghamshire local authority since 200102.
	Six appeals were heard in 200102. In five of these cases SENDIST ordered changes to be made to the provision in the children's statements. In three cases it also ordered changes to the schools named.
	Four appeals were heard in 200203. In three of these SENDIST ordered changes to the schools named.
	Three appeals were heard in 200304. In all three cases SENDIST ordered changes to be made to the provision in the children's statements and in one case it also ordered a change to the school named.

Special Needs

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make it his policy to (a) collect and (b) publish statistics on the time taken to complete statements of educational needs.

David Miliband: Data on the percentage of statements of special educational needs (SEN) completed within 18 weeks (with and without exceptions) are already collected and published annually by the Audit Commission. The statistics underpin two Best Value Performance Indicators that form part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment for each local authority.
	18 weeks is the maximum time allowed in the DfES SEN Code of Practice and the Department has provided the Audit Commission with guidance for this data collection.

Student Loans

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether current arrangements will continue for teachers of shortage subjects to have their student loans paid off if they remain in teaching.

David Miliband: We are currently considering whether the Repayment of the Teachers' Loans Scheme should continue beyond the pilot which ends on 30 June 2005, and will announce a decision as soon as possible.

Teaching Qualifications

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if he will make it his policy that Mr. Tristan Jones-Parry should be authorised to be a recognised mathematics teacher;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of possible obstacles to competent, experienced teachers in shortage subjects being offered employment as qualified staff.

David Miliband: The Government have introduced a wide range of training routes to allow anyone who can meet the required standards, whatever their age or background, to qualify as a teacher. For experienced teachers who do not yet hold Qualified Teacher Status, like Mr. Jones-Parry, both the Graduate Teacher Programme and flexible Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses can offer accelerated routes to qualification. For candidates with the right experience, the accelerated routes can be as swift as a few weeks or even a matter of days. The Teacher Training Agency employs professional consultants to offer individual advice and guidance to anyone considering a career in teaching.

Youth Clubs (Campaign Posters)

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from the London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames on its ban on Sexwise posters from its youth clubs; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Twigg: I have not received any representations from the London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames about the display of 'Sexwise' campaign posters from its youth clubs. The national advertising campaign that supports the Government's teenage pregnancy strategy has three key messages: encouraging young people to resist peer pressure to have sex early; encouraging young people who are sexually active to use contraception, in particular condoms, to avoid the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies; and informing young people that they can access confidential advice and support on sex and relationship issues. The 'Sexwise' telephone helpline number and RUThinking website address are included on all campaign materials, so that young people can seek further information and advice, where necessary.
	Campaign materials were developed following extensive consultation with young people and parents and the Government believe they are suitable for use in a range of informal youth settings. The campaign materials are being used widely to support the delivery of local strategies and it is therefore regrettable that the London borough of Richmond has deemed them unsuitable for display in its youth clubs.

TREASURY

Red Diesel

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  when the Government will decide whether they will seek an extension to the derogation from the European Energy Products Directive that enables private pleasure craft users to purchase red diesel;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the number of private pleasure crafts using red diesel.

John Healey: The derogation is due to expire at the end of 2006. Discussions will be conducted with other member states closer to that date, in the light of the views of stakeholders, including boat owners.
	The Government do not hold any figures for numbers of private pleasure craft, but the British Marine Federation has estimated that there are approximately 451,000 private pleasure boats in the UK, although this figure includes all types of boats, not just those using red diesel.

Unemployment (Glasgow)

David Marshall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many (a) young males and (b) young females are unemployed in the City of Glasgow;
	(2)  how many (a) males and (b) females living in the City of Glasgow are classified as long-term unemployed; and what percentage of the working population of the city these figures represent.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Marshall, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions about Unemployment in the city of Glasgow. (190984,191006).
	The attached table provides the information requested in the city of Glasgow for the twelve months ending in August 2004.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are subject to sampling variability.
	
		Unemployment: City of GlasgowTwelve months ending August 2004
		
			  Total unemployment Unemployed people aged 1624 Long-term unemployment 1 
			  Level (000) Rate (Percentage) 2 Level (000) Level (000) Rate (Percentage) 3 
		
		
			 Total 20 7.6 8 6 2.2 
			 Male 14 10.2 5 4 3.2 
			 Female 6 4.9 2 2 1.3 
		
	
	(48) People unemployed for over 12 months.
	(49) Unemployed people as percentage of economically active population (i.e. employed plus unemployed).
	(50) Long term unemployment as percentage of economically active.
	Note:
	Estimates are based on small sample sizes and are therefore subject to a higher than usual degree of sampling variability. They should therefore be treated with caution.
	Source:
	ONS: Labour Force Survey

Civil Service Relocation

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ask the Lyons Committee to reconvene to consider the impact on proposals to relocate civil service staff of job losses in the civil service due to the restructuring of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Paul Boateng: There are no plans to reconvene the Lyons Review. All Departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions, are committed to delivering both the relocation and civil service work force reduction targets that were announced in the 2004 Spending Review and are making progress towards these targets.

Coal Mine Methane

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce fiscal incentives to encourage the use of energy from coal mine methane; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: Supplies of electricity generated from coal mine methane became exempt from the climate change levy from November 2003.

Earnings (Buckingham)

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average earnings of full-time employees in the Buckingham constituency were in (a) April 2001, (b) April 2002, (c) April 2003 and (d) April 2004.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. John Bercow, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average earnings for full time employees in the Buckingham constituency were in (a) April 2001 (b) April 2002 (c) April 2003 and (d) April 2004. (191065)
	Average earnings are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) and are provided for full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose pay was unaffected by absence during the pay period, by their place of work. This is the standard definition used for ASHE tables. The ASHE does not collect data on the self employed and people who do unpaid work.
	I attach a table showing the average gross weekly wage for full time employees in the Buckingham constituency for 2001 to 2003. Data for 2004 will not be available until the 28 October 2004.
	The ASHE, carried out in April of each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. It is a 1 per cent. sample of all employees who are members of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) schemes, but because of its sampling frame, it has difficulty capturing data on people with very low pay. It is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold.
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings publication criteria ensures that all estimates are undisclosive. A number of estimates have been removed from the published tables for these reasons.
	
		Average gross weekly earnings for Buckingham -- 200103
		
			  Mean () CV per cent. 
		
		
			 2001 452.1(51) 7.1 
			 2002 494.5(51) 6.4 
			 2003 575.6(52) 11.0 
		
	
	(51) Reasonably precise : CV5 per cent. and }10 per cent.
	(52) Acceptable : CV10 per cent. and }20 per cent.
	Data for 2004 will not be available until 28 October 2004.
	The table provides data, on the average gross weekly earnings for, full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the pay period was unaffected by absence, who worked in Buckingham, for the years 2001 to 2003.
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, (ASHE), carried out in April of each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. It is a 1 per cent. sample of all employees who are members of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) schemes.
	The ASHE replaces the New Earnings Survey (NES) from October 2004. The main difference between the ASHE and NES being that estimates are weighted to population totals from the Labour Force Survey. Average gross weekly earnings for Adult Full-Time Employees whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence.
	Data Source:
	Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, ONS

Economic Statistics (Yorkshire)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Gross Domestic Product for (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) City of York was in (i) 1997 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Hugh Bayley, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) City of York. (191228)
	The latest available data on Gross Value Added (GVA) for Yorkshire and Humber were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in April 2004 and relate to the period up to 2002 and the area of Yorkshire and Humber on the NUTS1 area classification.
	ONS published estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA) for the smaller NUTS3 area of York for the period of 19952001 in December 2003.
	Both sets of estimates are shown in the table below:
	
		GVA in York, and GVA in Yorkshire and Humber, at current basic prices --  million
		
			   GVA in York (NUTS3 area) GVA in Yorkshire and Humber (NUTS1 area) 
		
		
			 1997 2,453 53,564 
			 1998 2,639 56,219 
			 1999 2,774 58,037 
			 2000 2,919 59,978 
			 2001 3,052 62,610 
			 2002  65,698 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. All estimates are provisional.
	2. Estimates of workplace based GVA allocate income to the region in which commuters work.
	3. GVA estimates are calculated using a five-period moving average.
	4. Note that GDP = GVA + taxes on productssubsidies on products.
	Estimates of NUTS1 GVA for the period 19892003 and NUTS3 GVA for the period 19952002 are planned for publication by ONS in December 2004.

Employment

Eric Martlew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of unemployment was in Carlisle in each year since 1996.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 15 October 2004
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Eric Martlew, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about unemployment. (191353)
	The attached table gives the estimates of the number of people unemployed and resident in the Carlisle Parliamentary Constituency for the 12 months ending in February each year from 1997 to 2003, the latest date for which information is available.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) art subject to sampling variability.
	
		Unemployment in the Carlisle parliamentary constituency12 month period ending February each year from 1997 to 2003
		
			  Level (000) Rate (per cent.) 1 
		
		
			 1997 3 7.2 
			 1998 2 4.5 
			 1999 2 4.9 
			 2000 2 5.7 
			 2001 1 3.9 
			 2002 2 5.0 
			 2003 2 6.3 
		
	
	(53) People unemployed as a percentage of all economically active (i.e. employed plus unemployed).
	Note:
	Estimates are based on small sample sizes and are therefore subject to a higher than usual degree of sampling variability. Changes for year-to-year, in particular, should therefore be treated with caution.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey

Employment

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are employed in Preseli Pembrokeshire; and how many were employed there in May 1997.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Bill Wiggin, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment. (190898)
	In the twelve month period ending February 2003, the latest date for which information is available, there were an estimated 29,000 employed people resident in the Preseli Parliamentary Constituency area. The corresponding figure for the twelve months ending February 1997 was 30,000.
	The data supplied are taken from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and as with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to sampling variability.

Employment

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many self employed people there were in (a) Wales and (b) Scotland on (i) 31 December 1998 and (ii) 31 December 2003.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Mr. Len Cook to Mr. Gregory Campbell, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment. (192151)
	The attached table gives the available estimates of the number of self-employed people resident in Wales and Scotland for the three months ending in February 1999 and 2004.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are subject to sampling variability.
	
		Self-employed 1 people in Wales and Scotland -- Three months ending in February 1999 and 2004not seasonally adjustedThousand
		
			  Wales Scotland 
		
		
			 1999 141 232 
			 2004 168 236 
		
	
	(54) The definition of self-employed is based on respondents' own assessment of their employment status.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey

EU Regulation (Competitiveness Test)

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with other EU Finance Ministers on the proposed Competitiveness Test for EU regulation;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with other EU Finance Ministers on the retrospective usage of the proposed EU Competitiveness Test;
	(3)  what recent discussions he has had with other EU Finance Ministers on whether (a) benefits must outweigh costs or (b) benefits must justify costs under the proposed Competitiveness Test.

Stephen Timms: As mandated by the Spring European Council, the Competitiveness Council is working to develop competitiveness testing for proposed EU legislation. The work has been noted as part of discussions in ECOFIN on regulatory reform, which the Chancellor has attended. The Government believes that priority should be accorded to competitiveness testing of new regulatory proposals. Further details of the proposed new process, including the use of cost-benefit analysis, remain to be finalised.

Euro Preparations

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of total government spending on preparations for the euro in (a) 19992000, (b) 200001, (c) 200102, (d) 200203, (e) 200304 and (f) 200405; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Government spending on preparations for possible entry to the single currency is set out in the Third Outline National Changeover Plan, published in June 2003. Copies of the document are in the Library of the House.

Female Employees

Roger Berry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of women in their (a) 20s, (b) 30s, (c) 40s and (d) 50s were in paid work in each year since 1995.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Berry, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment. (190902)
	The attached table gives the percentages of women in employment in the relevant age groups in the United Kingdom covering the twelve months ending in August each year from 1995 to 2004.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are subject to sampling variability.
	
		Percentage of women in employment by age groups:United Kingdom -- Percentage(55)
		
			 Twelve months ending Age group 
			 in August of each year 2029 3039 4049 5059 
		
		
			 1995 65.1 67.5 74.1 60.4 
			 1996 66.2 68.1 75.2 60.4 
			 1997 67.3 69.5 75.2 60.5 
			 1998 67.9 69.8 75.8 61.8 
			 1999 68.9 70.9 76.3 62.8 
			 2000 69.0 71.6 76.6 63.8 
			 2001 69.3 72.1 76.6 64.5 
			 2002 69.6 71.9 76.8 65.1 
			 2003 69.0 72.2 76.7 66.6 
			 2004 69.3 72.2 76.9 66.9 
		
	
	(55) This refers to women in employment as a percentage of all women in the relevant age group.
	Source:
	Labour Force Survey

Fuel Duty Escalator

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much tax revenue has been forgone, in each financial year since the introduction of the fuel duty escalator; and what the estimate is for this tax year.

John Healey: The fuel duty escalator introduced by the previous Government in 1993 was abolished by the Chancellor in 1999 when he announced that, in future, decisions on fuel duties would be made on a Budget-by-Budget basis taking account of relevant economic, social and environmental factors. Details of fuel duty rate changes and revenue forecasts are listed in tables A1 and C7 of the annual Financial Statement and Budget report.

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Karen Buck: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which funding streams have been allocated by his Department using a funding formula which includes rankings or scores on the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000; and if he will list the amount of funding allocated in such a way (a) nationally by the Department and (b) to all Government sponsored bodies reporting to the Department.

Stephen Timms: The Chancellor's departments do not directly allocate funds using the Index of Multiple Deprivation but it has formed part of the evidence base underpinning Spending Review outcomes that have taken place since the publication of the index.

Inflation/Interest Rates

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average (a) rate of inflation, (b) Bank of England base interest rate and (c) mortgage interest rate was (i) between 1979 and 1997 and (ii) since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Hugh Bayley, dated 18 October 2004
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on what the average (a) rate of inflation, (b) Bank of England base interest rate and (c) mortgage interest rate was (i) between 1979 and 1997, and (ii) since 1997. (191229)
	The averages over the periods requested are as follows:
	
		
			  Rates 
		
		
			 (a) annualised average inflation rate(56) (i) 1979 to 1997 = 5.8% (ii) 1997 to 2003 =2.4% 
			 (b) annual average Bank of England base  interest rate (i) 1979 to 1997 = 10.3% (ii) 1997 to 2003 = 5.4% 
			 (c) annual average mortgage interest rate(57) (i) 1985 to 1997 = 10.7% (ii) 1997 to 2003 = 6.7% 
		
	
	(56) The inflation rate is calculated from the All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI).
	(57) Comprehensive data not available prior to 1985.
	These averages are based on the data in the attached table, which also provides further notes on the calculations.
	
		Annual Average Rates
		
			  Retail Prices Index (RPI) 1 Bank of England Base Interest Rate(59) Mortgage Interest Rate2,3 
		
		
			 1978 197.1   
			 1979 223.5 13.75  
			 1980 263.7 16.30  
			 1981 295.0 13.18  
			 1982 320.4 11.93  
			 1983 335.1 9.86  
			 1984 351.8 9.68  
			 1985 373.2 12.04 13.16 
			 1986 385.9 10.74 11.84 
			 1987 402.0 9.60 11.50 
			 1988 421.7 9.96 11.17 
			 1989 454.5 13.67 13.92 
			 1990 497.5 14.64 15.21 
			 1991 526.7 11.56 12.92 
			 1992 546.4 9.42 10.71 
			 1993 555.1 5.88 8.08 
			 1994 568.5 5.33 7.84 
			 1995 588.2 6.57 8.22 
			 1996 602.4 5.88 7.22 
			 1997 621.3 6.55 7.85 
			 1998 642.6 7.23 8.73 
			 1999 652.5 5.34 6.82 
			 2000 671.8 5.97 7.09 
			 2001 683.7 5.12 6.44 
			 2002 695.1 4.00 5.39 
			 2003 715.2 3.69 4.96 
		
	
	(58) The annualised average inflation rate for RPI was calculated using the following equation:
	[equation included as gif file omitted - TheyWorkForYou team]
	(59) The annual average Bank of England base interest rate and the annual average mortgage interest rate given in the letter were calculated using a simple average of the corresponding annual rates for the years covered by the period in the question.
	(60) Comprehensive data not available prior to 1985. For 1985 to 1994 the rate is a simple average of retail banks' end of month variable rate mortgageunweighted series. For 1995 to 1998 the rate is a weighted average interest rate for the standard variable rate mortgage from retail banks and building societies. For 1999 to 2003 the rate is a weighted average interest rate loan secured, from retail banks, on dwellings.
	Source:
	ONS (RPI) and Bank of England (interest rates)

Inheritance Tax

Karen Buck: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual revenue from inheritance tax if the rates for levying the tax were as follows, showing the revenue separately for each band, (a) 20 per cent. on estates valued at 100,000 and above, (b) 40 per cent. on estates valued at 200,000 and above, (c) 60 per cent. on estates valued at 750,000 and above, (d) 20 per cent. on estates valued at 150,000 and above, (e) 30 per cent. on estates valued at 200,000 and above, (f) 40 per cent. on estates valued at 250,000 and above, (g) 50 per cent. on estates valued at 750,000 and above, (h) 60 per cent. on estates valued at 1,250,000 and above, (i) 20 per cent. on estates valued at 75,000 and above, (j) 30 per cent. on estates valued at 150,000 and above, (k) 40 per cent. on estates valued at 300,000 and above and (l) 50 per cent. on estates valued at 600,000 and above.

Stephen Timms: At Budget 2004, the published forecast for inheritance tax receipts in 200405 was 2.8 billion based on a threshold of 263,000. Taking each of the regimes (a) to (l) as a separate and independent system applying from April 2004, then I estimate that the receipts would have been those that appear in the table. The figures exclude possible behavioural effects and will understate the full impact of changing the regime because 200405 receipts also reflect payments for liabilities incurred in 200304 and earlier.
	
		Inheritance tax receipts ( billion) by IHT threshold and rate for 200405rounded to nearest 100 million 
		
			 Rates applied from April 2004 Tax rate (%) 
			 IHT threshold () 20 30 40 50 60 
		
		
			 75,000 3.6 
			 100,000 3.2 
			 150,000 2.6 3.5
			 200,000  2.9 3.5   
			 250,000   2.9   
			 300,000   2.6   
			 600,0001.9  
			 750,0001.7 1.8 
			 1,250,000 1.5 
		
	
	Note:
	The figures in each cell are estimates of inheritance tax receipts for each individual combination of rates and thresholds, and they are all independent of each other.

Jones and Garnet Case

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the application of the decision of the Special Commissioners of Income Tax in the Jones and Garnet case to (a) circumstances where one director only has the power to declare dividends and (b) other husband and wife-owned businesses.

Dawn Primarolo: The Special Commissioners' decision in this case is still being considered. However the decision supports guidance published by the Inland Revenue in Tax Bulletins of April 2003 and February 2004 on the application of the legislation in Sections 660A-660G of the Income and Corporation Taxes Acts 1988. Whether the legislation applies in any particular case will depend on the detailed facts of that case and the arrangements between the parties involved.

Population (London Boroughs)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the population is of each London Borough.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Mr. Len Cook to Mr Andrew Rosindell, dated 18 Ocotber 2004
	As National Statistician I, have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the population of each London Borough. (191695)
	Attached is a table showing mid-2003 population estimates for all London Boroughs.
	
		Population for London Boroughs, Mid-year 2003
		
			 London borough Mid-2003 population estimate 
		
		
			 City of London 8,000 
			 Barking and Dagenham 165,900 
			 Bamet 324,400 
			 Bexley 219,100 
			 Brent 267,800 
			 Bromley 298,300 
			 Camden 210,700 
			 Croydon 336,700 
			 Baling 305,000 
			 Enfield 280,300 
			 Greenwich 223,700 
			 Hackney 208,400 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 174,200 
			 Haringey 224,700 
			 Harrow 210,700 
			 Hayering 224,600 
			 Hillingdon, 247,600 
			 Hounslow 212,900 
			 Islington 180,100 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 174,400 
			 Kingston Upon Thames 150,400 
			 Lambeth 268,500 
			 Lewisham 248,300 
			 Merton 191,400 
			 Newham 250,600 
			 Redbridge 245,100 
			 Richmond Upon Thames 179,200 
			 Southwark 253,800 
			 Sutton 178,500 
			 Tower Hamlets 206,600 
			 Waltham Forest 221,600 
			 Wandsworth 274,100 
			 Westminster 222,000 
		
	
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics

Taxation Regime (Transport)

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on a taxation regime which mitigates the increase in the use of private cars; and what research he has commissioned on the effects of hypothecation of moneys into public transport through local authority transport plans.

John Healey: The Government have introduced initiatives to encourage alternatives to car use, such as green travel plans for journeys to and from work, and for business travel. The Chancellor considers relevant economic, social and environmental factors when deciding taxation policy.
	The Department for Transport oversees local transport plans, and evaluates the impact of such plans and their development in the long-term.

University Teaching Infrastructure

Joan Humble: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the funding of improvements to teaching infrastructure in the university sector.

Stephen Timms: The Treasury frequently receives representations from the higher education sector and discusses a wide range of issues with universities including the funding of teaching infrastructure.